Neutrophils - Absolute Count Test

Absolute Neutrophil Count test is conducted on a sample of your blood to measure the level of Absolute Neutrophil Count in your blood.It is done to find whether you have any bacterial infection and sepsis. This test is also known as ANC Automated Blood, Absolute Granulocyte Count Automated Blood, ANC Test, Absolute Granulocyte Count, Absolute Neutrophil Count. Neutrophils are a key components in our system of defense against infections. An absence or scarcity of neutrophils (a condition called neutropenia) exposes a person to infections.

Make sure to wear a short-sleeved shirt or a shirt with sleeves that you can easily roll up. No special preparation needed for the ANC test. There’s no need to adjust your diet. You can both eat and drink normally. Tell your doctor if you have any allergies. However, your doctor may require that you fast for a specific amount of time before the test. That’s common if the blood sample is required for additional testing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions.

WBC count: 6,000 cells/mm3 of blood
Segs: 30% of the WBCs
Bands: 3% of the WBCs
Neutrophils (segs + bands): 33% of the WBCs
ANC: 33% X 6,000 = 2,000/mm3
ANC should be of 2,000/mm3
Normal range: 1.5 to 8.0 (1,500 to 8,000/mm3)
Interpretation: Normal
After chemotherapy, radiation, or a blood or marrow transplant, the
ANC is usually low and then slowly increases, showing the fact that the
bone marrow is recovering and new blood cells have started to grow and
mature. Low count of neutrophils leads to neutropenia.

During this test, a lab technician will draw blood from a vein, generally
from the inside of your elbow.
The lab assistant will:
1.clean your skin with an antiseptic wipe.
2.place an elastic band around your upper arm to help the vein swell
with blood.
3.insert a needle in the your and collects the required amount of blood.
4.cover the area with a bandage to stop any bleeding.
5.label your sample and send it to a lab for analysis.