What is vaculated neutrophils?

Vacuolated neutrophils are white blood cells (also known as leukocytes) that contain small or large vacuoles or spaces within their cytoplasm. These vacuoles are formed by the incorporation of extracellular material such as bacteria, cellular debris, or other proteins. The presence of vacuolated neutrophils in the blood is usually an indication of an underlying infection, inflammation, or tissue damage. The vacuoles in these cells act as a storage for the engulfed foreign material and help in the destruction of pathogens and tissue debris by means of phagocytosis. Vacuolated neutrophils can be observed using a peripheral blood smear or a microscopic examination of the blood sample.