About Monocytes
Monocytes are large white blood cells that patrol the bloodstream and migrate into tissues, where they mature into macrophages — the immune system's long-lived cleanup crew that engulfs debris, pathogens, and dead cells. Elevated monocytes (monocytosis) are associated with chronic inflammation, autoimmune disease, certain infections, and some leukaemias. Persistently elevated monocytes even within the reference range predict cardiovascular events, because tissue macrophages play a central role in atherosclerotic plaque formation.