What is an Absolute Neutrophil Count?
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell (WBC) and play a vital role in the immune system, they are the first immune response to bacteria, viruses, or pathogens. They work by ingesting and digesting microorganisms by releasing enzymes.
The absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) is used to measure the amount of neutrophils. Abnormal ANC suggests that the person has an autoimmune disorder, or infection, experiencing effects of chemotherapy, or other health conditions.
How is the Test Performed?
The Absolute Neutrophil Count Test is a part of the Complete Blood Count (CBC) test and requires a simple blood draw.
Preparation
- Usually no preparation is required, although your healthcare provider may instruct you to avoid certain medications as they may interfere with the neutrophil levels.
Blood Draw
- The procedure is minimally invasive and quick.
- A phlebotomist draws blood, typically from the vein of the arm.
- The sample is then placed in a special tube for further analysis.
Laboratory Analysis
- The sample is sent to the laboratory for the analysis of neutrophil count.
- Neutrophil count is normally calculated according to the percentage of neutrophils in white blood cells (WBC).
What are the symptoms that prompt this test?
An absolute neutrophil count test is suggested for people who exhibit signs and symptoms of poor immune function, infections, autoimmune disorders, and other health conditions. Some of the symptoms are mentioned below;
General symptoms
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Constant fever
- Severe infections
- Swelling and redness
- Stiff neck
- Chills followed by sweating
- Diarrhea
- Cough
Specific conditions
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy prompts the need to monitor neutrophil count to prevent complications.
- Bone marrow disorders also cause abnormal neutrophil count and it is important to check it regularly
- Certain types of autoimmune disorders including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and others.
- Severe bacterial and viral infection causes a decrease or increase in neutrophil count.
What are Normal Ranges for This Test?
The normal values accepted generally for absolute neutrophil count are mentioned below;
Adults – 2500 to 6000 cells/µL
Children – >1500 cells/µL
Neonates – 500 to 2200 cells/ µL
**These above-given values are for general guidelines only and may vary according to the laboratory’s reference ranges and method used. **
What Happens if Test Results Show Abnormal Levels?
Abnormal levels of neutrophils suggest that an individual is undergoing health complications and needs medical attention to combat the disease. Following are some of the conditions that occur when abnormal levels of neutrophils are present;
High Absolute Neutrophil Count Indicate
- Acute infections
- Tissue damage caused by burns, surgery, or trauma
- Cancer
- Stress
- Vigorous exercise
- Smoking
- Medications including corticosteroids
- Certain chronic inflammatory conditions including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis
- Preeclampsia and eclampsia; Complications during pregnancy
Low Absolute Neutrophil Count (Neutropenia) Indicate
- Effects of radiation therapy, or chemotherapy
- Cancer
- Autoimmune disorders
- Bone marrow disorders
- Nutritional deficiencies mainly vitamin B12 and folate deficiency.
If abnormalities are diagnosed further testing is suggested along with timely management of the underlying condition to normalize absolute neutrophil count levels.
