Absolute Neutrophil Count
Understanding Absolute Neutrophil Count
What is Absolute Neutrophil Count?
An Absolute Neutrophil Count test measures the percentage of neutrophil type of white blood cells (WBCs). This test helps identify conditions that may affect the WBC count, such as infections, inflammations, bone marrow disorders, etc., and monitor their treatments. It is often done as part of a complete blood count test that also measures other types of blood cells.
Neutrophils are the key indicator of an individual’s immune system function and are responsible for fighting-off bacterial infections. These are the first cells to arrive at the site of an infection.
An ANC test helps monitor the immune response in individuals undergoing cancer treatments that can affect bone marrow’s capacity to produce WBCs, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. A low ANC level may indicate the risk of infections and necessitates the need for prompt medical intervention. Whereas, a high ANC level may indicate serious conditions such as leukemia, other blood disorders, etc., and requires the need for an appropriate course of treatment, which will depend on the underlying cause of the elevated ANC levels. No special preparation is required for an ANC test; eat or drink as per your daily routine.
Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between different labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help them determine your medical condition and formulate an overall treatment plan.
What is Absolute Neutrophil Count used for?
An ANC test can be done:
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As part of a complete blood count test to monitor your overall health.
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If you have symptoms suggestive of an acute infection, like fever, chills, body aches, infection, headache, etc.
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To detect allergies and inflammation.
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To detect and monitor diseases or conditions like neutrophilia (high number of neutrophils), neutropenia (low number of neutrophils), bone marrow disorders, autoimmune disorders, etc.
What does Absolute Neutrophil Count measure?
An Absolute Neutrophil Count test measures the percentage of neutrophils per microliter of blood. Neutrophils are a type of WBC and play an integral part in the body's immune system. They help fight off bacterial infections in the body by identifying and destroying foreign invaders, such as disease-causing microorganisms.
Interpreting Absolute Neutrophil Count results
Interpretations
High ANC indicates Neutrophilia- which means increased levels of Neutrophils in the blood. High levels of neutrophils and fever are seen when you have an infection.
Low ANC indicates Neutropenia- which means a low count of neutrophils. It can make you more vulnerable to infections & in severe cases, even infection with normal body flora.