What are band cells commonly known as?

Band cells are commonly known as immature neutrophils. They represent a developmental stage of neutrophils, which are crucial white blood cells involved in the body's immune response. When the bone marrow produces neutrophils, they first appear as myeloblasts, then develop into promyelocytes, myelocytes, metamyelocytes, and finally mature into segmented neutrophils. The band form is an earlier stage characterized by a non-segmented nucleus, which looks like a band or rod.

In the context of the body's response to infection or inflammation, an increased number of band cells can indicate a "left shift," signifying that the bone marrow is producing more neutrophils in response to demand. This is why they are often associated with acute infections or inflammatory conditions. Recognizing the appearance and significance of band cells helps in diagnosing and understanding various clinical conditions.