What does a high absolute neutrophil count indicate?

A high absolute neutrophil count may indicate inflammation, infection, stress, reaction to medication or the presence of cancer, according to HealthTap contributor Dr. Reid Blackwelder. In most instances, levels above 8,000 per cubic millimeter are considered abnormally high, though this varies on the age and health of the patient.

The most common of the white blood cells, neutrophils account for 50 to 70 percent of the leukocytes and are one of the first immune cells to arrive at the site of inflamed or injured areas.

Arthritis, rheumatic fever, thyroiditis, acute kidney failure and eclampsia are listed as additional causes of high neutrophil counts by Med-Health.