Immune and inflammation
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)
Included in every MyHealthspan membership: Focus, Baseline, and Complete.
Compare membershipsTwo white cell counts, compared as one ratio.
NLR is calculated by dividing your neutrophil count by your lymphocyte count, both from your routine blood count. It reflects the balance between your fast-acting and longer-term immune responses, and researchers are studying it as a marker of inflammation.
NLR is promising in research and still new to everyday care.
Large population studies link a higher NLR with a higher risk of death from heart disease and other causes. Because it comes from a test most people already have, it has drawn a lot of research interest.
There's still no agreed cut-off for what counts as high, and NLR isn't yet part of routine screening guidelines. It also moves quickly: stress hormones, corticosteroids, a recent infection, and age can all shift it. One reading is less useful than your trend over time.
NLR is a calculated clue. Your trend matters more than one number.
Questions
Do I need a separate test for NLR?
No. NLR is calculated from the neutrophil and lymphocyte counts in your complete blood count with differential, so no extra blood is needed.
What does a higher NLR mean?
A higher NLR means neutrophils are high relative to lymphocytes. This can happen with infection, inflammation, physical or emotional stress, and some medications. A clinician reads it alongside hsCRP, your white cell counts, and how you're feeling.
How can I follow my NLR over time?
Your results appear in the MyHealthspan app, where the AI health assistant can show how NLR is calculated and how it relates to your other results. Comparing results from the same lab over time is more useful than any single reading.