Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cells, forming the body’s first line of defense against infections.

The ANC test calculates the exact number of neutrophils per microliter of blood, rather than just a percentage.

It is often part of a Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential.

Doctors use ANC to:

Assess risk of infection, especially in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Diagnose and monitor conditions like neutropenia (low neutrophil count).

Evaluate immune system function in cases of fever, sepsis, or autoimmune disease.

Both low ANC (neutropenia) and high ANC (neutrophilia) can indicate underlying health issues.

Analyte: Neutrophils (a type of white blood cell).

Normal Range: Typically 1,500–8,000 neutrophils/µL of blood in adults (ranges may vary by lab).

Low ANC (Neutropenia): May suggest chemotherapy effects, bone marrow disorders, severe infections, or autoimmune disease.

High ANC (Neutrophilia): May suggest bacterial infections, inflammation, stress, or certain blood cancers.

Clinical Use:

Detects immune suppression.

Monitors infection risk in cancer patients.

Supports diagnosis of hematologic and autoimmune conditions.