Absolute neutrophil count
Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is a measure of the number of neutrophil granulocytes[1] (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.
The ANC is calculated from measurements of the total number of white blood cells (WBC), usually based on the combined percentage of mature neutrophils (sometimes called "segs," or segmented cells) and bands, which are immature neutrophils.
Methods
The method is the same as for a complete blood count. ANC is a normal component of a complete blood count and is rarely tested in isolation.
Clinical significance
A normal ANC is above 1,500 cells per microliter. An ANC less than 500 cells/µL 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.
Neutrophilia indicates an elevated count.
Calculation
ANC =
or
ANC = (Absolute-Polys + Absolute-Bands)
In the above, we assume that the WBC is given in cells/µL (or thousand cells/mL, i.e. K/mL) such as 8,800 cells/µL or 8,800 K/mL; if the WBC were given in K/µL (instead of cells/µL or K/mL), such as 8.8 K/µL, you would first convert to cells/µL by multiplying the WBC by 1000.
The unit of ANC is cells per microliter of blood (abbreviated cells/µL; a microliter is equal to one cubic millimeter because 1,000,000 cubic millimeters are equal to one liter).
Ranges
| NCI Risk Category | ANC |
|---|---|
| 0 | Within normal limits |
| 1 | ≥1500 - <2000/mm³ |
| 2 | ≥1000 - <1500/mm³ |
| 3 | ≥500 - <1000/mm³ |
| 4 | < 500/mm³ |
Source: NCI CTC Toxicity scale Version 2.0 [1]
Related tests
In some cases, a ratio is reported in addition to the sum. This is known as the "I/T ratio". [2][3]
References
- ^ Al-Gwaiz LA, Babay HH (2007). "The diagnostic value of absolute neutrophil count, band count and morphologic changes of neutrophils in predicting bacterial infections". Med Princ Pract. 16 (5): 344–7. doi:10.1159/000104806. PMID 17709921.
- ^ Walliullah SM, Islam MN, Siddika M, Hossain MA, Chowdhury AK (2009). "Role of Micro-ESR and I/T Ratio in the Early Diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis". Mymensingh Med J. 18 (1): 56–61. PMID 19182751.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Russell GA, Smyth A, Cooke RW (1992). "Receiver operating characteristic curves for comparison of serial neutrophil band forms and C reactive protein in neonates at risk of infection". Arch. Dis. Child. 67 (7 Spec No): 808–12. doi:10.1136/adc.67.7_Spec_No.808. PMC 1590438. PMID 1519980.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)