Absolute Neutrophil Count

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.