Etymed
monocytosis
Definition
An abnormal condition characterized by an increased number of monocytes (a type of white blood cell) in the blood
Clinical context
A 45-year-old patient presents with fatigue, fever, and weight loss. Laboratory studies reveal an elevated white blood cell count with 15% monocytes, significantly higher than the normal range of 2-8%. Further investigation uncovers chronic infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Mnemonic
MONOcytes are MONSTERs - they cause serious infections and are found in MONKEY-like numbers in blood