Absolute neutrophil count

 Articles WikiDoc Resources for Absolute neutrophil count

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is a measure of the number of neutrophil granulocytes (also known as polymorphonuclear cells, PMN's, polys, granulocytes, segmented neutrophils or segs) present in the blood. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that fights against infection. A deficiency of neutrophils, known as neutropenia, may increase chances of infection.

The ANC is calculated from measurements of the total number of white blood cells (WBC) and the numbers of neutrophils and bands, which form a subset of the total number of white blood cells. A normal ANC is above 1,500. An ANC less than 500 is defined as neutropenia and significantly increases the risk of infection. Neutropenia is the condition of a low ANC, and the most common condition where an ANC would be measured is in the setting of chemotherapy for cancer.

${\displaystyle ANC=(\%neutrophils+\%bands)\times WBC}$

The unit of ANC is cells per microlitre of blood.

Neutrophils/granulocytes

NCI Risk Category ANC
0 WNL
1 ≥1500 - <2000/mm3
2 ≥1000 - <1500/mm3
3 ≥500 - <1000/mm3
4 < 500/mm

Source: NCI CTC Toxicity scale Version 2.0 [2]

Acknowledgements

The content on this page was first contributed by: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D.

Differential Diagnoses are drawn from clinicians as well as an amalgamation of 3 sources:

2. Kahan, Scott, Smith, Ellen G. In A Page: Signs and Symptoms. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, 2004:3

3. Sailer, Christian, Wasner, Susanne. Differential Diagnosis Pocket. Hermosa Beach, CA: Borm Bruckmeir Publishing LLC, 2002:7

List of contributors: