Wright's Stain, 1000x

The presence of increased numbers of immature neutrophils in the circulation is called a left shift.  This will be represented by an increased number of non-segmented or band neutrophils in the bloodstream, and if the left shift is more severe, there can be metamyelocytes as well as myelocytes present. Two immature neutrophils can be seen in this field: the metamyelocyte with its elongated, slightly indented nucleus and the myelocyte with its more ovoid nucleus. It is important not to confuse these young precursors with monocytes.