What does my NLR result mean?

For evidence-based information about NLR (Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio), visit this page.

Does this ratio indicate infection or inflammation?

For evidence-based information about NLR (Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio), visit this page.

Should I have additional tests?

For evidence-based information about NLR (Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio), visit this page.

What factors may be contributing?

For evidence-based information about NLR (Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio), visit this page.

How should this be monitored over time?

For evidence-based information about NLR (Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio), visit this page.

Home → Tests → NLR

NLR (Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio)

✅ Up to date🔬 Evidence: LimitedInternal Medicine

Diğer adları: Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio, Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio

⚠️

Discuss your test results with your doctor. This page is for informational purposes only and does not provide a diagnosis.

⚡ Key Facts

• A ratio calculated by dividing neutrophil count by lymphocyte count • Reflects the balance between innate and adaptive immunity • No internationally standardized threshold exists • Used as a supplementary inflammation and prognosis marker

🧪 What Does This Test Measure?

The NLR (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio) is calculated by dividing neutrophil count by lymphocyte count, reflecting the balance between innate and adaptive immunity.

📋 Why Is It Ordered?

Used for inflammation severity assessment, infection monitoring, oncology prognosis, and cardiovascular risk evaluation as a supplementary marker.

🔧 Preparation

NLR is not a separate test — it is calculated from the CBC differential. No special preparation beyond CBC requirements.

📊 Reference Ranges

No internationally standardized threshold. Commonly cited approximate values: Normal: 1–3 Elevated: >3 (may indicate inflammation or stress) High: >6 (significant inflammatory or stress response)

⬆️ High Values

Elevated NLR may be associated with infection, inflammation, physiological stress, surgery, and certain oncological conditions.

⬇️ Low Values

Low NLR is generally not considered clinically significant. It may reflect neutropenia or relative lymphocytosis.

⚙️ What Can Affect Results?

Corticosteroids, infection, stress, age, exercise, smoking, and individual variation in neutrophil/lymphocyte counts may affect NLR.

🔬 Evidence Summary

Limited evidence: 3 reviews and 1 observational study.

✅ Key Takeaways

💡

What you learned: NLR is a supplementary inflammation marker. It has no standardized threshold and should be interpreted alongside clinical context.

⛔

NLR alone cannot diagnose any condition. It is a supplementary marker interpreted alongside clinical findings.

🔬 Sources Used on This Page

4 sources · Most recent publication: 2024

📖

Review

Comprehensive topic evaluation

sources

👁

Observational

Observational and cohort studies

source

Overall assessment: Evidence level for this topic is limited. This page is supported by 3 reviews, 1 observational study.

📝 Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Be prepared for your appointment. Add questions to your list.

Last reviewed: 4/2/2026

Next review: 7/2/2026

🔗 Related Topics

🧪 Nötrofil (NLR'nin payı)🧪 Lenfosit (NLR'nin paydası)🧪 Lökosit / WBC (total beyaz küre)🧪 CRP (C-reaktif protein)🧪 Prokalsitonin (bakteriyel enfeksiyon belirteci)

⚖️ This page does not replace medical advice. Make treatment decisions with your doctor.
Content is based on scientific studies indexed in PubMed and current clinical guidelines.