An absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is a blood test that measures the number of neutrophils in your blood. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that are essential for fighting infections. The ANC is calculated as part of a complete blood count (CBC) test.
A low ANC can indicate that you have a higher risk of infection, while a high ANC might suggest an inflammatory process or infection. Doctors use the ANC to monitor patients' immune systems and determine if they are at risk of developing infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
Here are some additional details about ANC:
- Why is it important? The ANC is a crucial indicator of your body's ability to fight off infections.
- What does a low ANC mean? A low ANC can be a sign of neutropenia, a condition where the body doesn't produce enough neutrophils. This can be caused by various factors like chemotherapy, certain medications, or autoimmune diseases.
- What does a high ANC mean? A high ANC can be a sign of infection or inflammation. It can also be a result of certain medical conditions like leukemia or rheumatoid arthritis.
Examples of how ANC is used:
- Cancer patients: Doctors closely monitor ANC levels in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, as this treatment can lower the neutrophil count, increasing the risk of infections.
- People with autoimmune disorders: Individuals with autoimmune disorders like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis may also have abnormal ANC levels due to the body's own immune system attacking healthy cells.
- Infections: When you are fighting an infection, your ANC will usually increase as your body tries to fight it off.
If you have concerns about your ANC, it's important to discuss your results with your doctor. They will be able to interpret the results based on your medical history and other factors.
