When evaluating neonate for sepsis the term left shift refers to?

In the context of evaluating a neonate for sepsis, a "left shift" refers to an increase in the number of immature neutrophils (such as bands) in the blood, indicating a response to infection or inflammation. This shift suggests that the body is mobilizing immature neutrophils from the bone marrow to the bloodstream in reaction to a significant infection. A left shift is often considered a classic sign of an ongoing bacterial infection and can be an important diagnostic indicator in neonates.