A simple ratio from your blood count that reflects immune balance and inflammation.
The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a calculated value, not a separate blood test. It compares two types of white blood cell, neutrophils and lymphocytes, both reported in a full blood count.
The formula is: neutrophil count ÷ lymphocyte count.
During physical stress and inflammation, neutrophils tend to rise while lymphocytes fall. NLR captures this shift in a single number and is one of the most studied blood-based markers of systemic inflammation, used across infection, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
A higher ratio reflects more inflammation or physiological stress and has been linked with poorer outcomes in many settings. A lower ratio is generally more favourable.
Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.
Interpretive guidance, which varies by population:
Cutoffs are not formally standardised, so read NLR as a trend with a clinician rather than a strict threshold.
White cell counts shift with infection, recent stress, exercise, corticosteroids and time of day, so a single value can mislead. NLR is non-specific and rises with many different conditions, so it is best read in context and as a trend.
Read with its components, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, and alongside the full blood count, hs-CRP and the clinical picture.
What does my NLR mean in plain terms? It compares neutrophils to lymphocytes. Higher values can appear with inflammation or stress; lower values may reflect recovery or normal variation.
What can affect NLR results? Recent illness, vaccines, surgery, hard exercise, stress, smoking, alcohol, time of day, pregnancy, and medicines like steroids can change it.
Do I need to fast for this test? No. Fasting is not required for NLR or a standard CBC.
How often should I test it? Usually when you have a CBC. Recheck after recovery from illness or if your clinician wants to monitor trends.
How quickly will I get results? Results are usually ready in about 7 days.
What should I discuss with my clinician? Share symptoms, recent infections or vaccines, all medicines and supplements, and whether to repeat the test or add markers like CRP.
One annual membership, 100+ biomarkers, every result explained in plain language with a personalized action plan and concierge guidance.
