Absolute neutrophil count definition - medical term
The real number of white blood cells (WBCs)
that are neutrophils. The absolute neutrophil count is commonly called the ANC.
The ANC is not measured directly. It is derived by multiplying the WBC count
times the percent of neutrophils in the differential WBC count. The percent of neutrophils
consists of the segmented (fully mature) neutrophils) + the bands (almost mature
neutrophils). The normal range for the ANC = 1.5 to 8.0 (1,500 to 8,000/mm3).
Sample calculation of the ANC:
WBC count: 6,000 cells/mm3 of blood
Segs: 30% of the WBCs
Bands: 3% of the WBCs
Neutrophils (segs + bands): 33% of the WBCs
ANC: 33% X 6,000 = 2,000/mm3
ANC of 2,000/mm3, by convention = 2.0
Normal range: 1.5 to 8.0 (1,500 to 8,000/mm3)
Interpretation: Normal
Neutrophils are key components in the system of defense against infection. An
absence or scarcity of neutrophils (a condition called neutropenia) makes a person
vulnerable to infection. After chemotherapy, radiation, or a blood or marrow transplant,
the ANC is usually depressed and then slowly rises, reflecting the fact that the
bone marrow is recovering and new blood cells are beginning to grow and mature.
In practical clinical terms, a normal ANC is 1.5 or higher; a "safe" ANC is 500-1500;
a low ANC is less than 500. A safe ANC means that the patient's activities do not
need to be restricted (on the basis of the ANC).
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