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Absolute Neutrophil Count
(ANC)
You need to provide
Blood
This test is for
Male, Female
Test Preparation
Overview
What is ANC?
Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) is a measurement of the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood. WBCs are the backbone of your immune system. Neutrophils are a type of WBCs and help destroy any bacteria and viruses that enter our bodies. It is increased in infections, a variety of inflammatory disorders and some myeloid neoplasms. Neutropenia (Lower neutrophil count) can be seen with various medications, including chemotherapy, toxins, bone marrow replacement (for example, metastatic tumor, granulomas), myelodysplastic syndromes, autoimmune disorders, and congenital disorders. Generally, the degree of neutropenia defines the patient’s risk of infections.
Why is ANC done?
- If you have symptoms like fever, chills, body aches, infection, headache pointing to an acute infection
- ANC is usually ordered as a part of a complete blood count (CBC), which is a routine test
- If symptoms related to blood disorder, bone marrow disorder or autoimmune disease are present