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Medical glossary

ANC: absolute neutrophil count

The ANC shows the actual number of neutrophils in the blood. It is used to judge the risk of infection.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A stained blood smear with one neutrophil with a lobed nucleus among many red blood cells
Figure 1.The ANC counts neutrophils like this one

01Short answer

The ANC is calculated from the total white blood cell count and the share of neutrophils. A low ANC means a high risk of infection; the team may recommend special care rules and sometimes changes the timing of treatment. After chemotherapy the ANC usually falls first and then recovers. Ask your own doctor about the threshold numbers.

02Simple explanation

The number of neutrophils.

It is calculated.

Low means infection risk.

It recovers.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: the absolute neutrophil count is a measure of the number of neutrophils in the blood.

The NCI Dictionary explains cancer terms in plain language; check the exact meaning for your situation with your doctor.

04What happens in the body?

Why it matters

Decisions on treatment timing and protective measures.

Counted cells
Figure 2.Counted cells — ANC: absolute neutrophil count

What to do

Discuss the result with your doctor.

A recovery curve
Figure 3.A recovery curve — ANC: absolute neutrophil count

Where you will see this word

In test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.

Ask your doctor

The general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

05From an unfamiliar word to a clear answer: four steps

Write it down, look it up, prepare a question, ask.

Write it down — From a result or a conversation.1Write it downFrom a result or a conversation.
Look it up — Learn the plain meaning.2Look it upLearn the plain meaning.
Prepare a question — What does this mean for me?3Prepare a questionWhat does this mean for me?
Ask — Your doctor gives the personal explanation.4AskYour doctor gives the personal explanation.
UnderstandingResults feel less frightening.
ConversationA shared language with your doctor.
SafetyNot drawing conclusions alone.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Why it mattersDecisions on treatment timing and protective measures.
What to doDiscuss the result with your doctor.
Where you will see this wordIn test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.
Ask your doctorThe general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

07Key terms

ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Nadir
The lowest point of a count.
Term
A word with a precise medical meaning.
Reference range
The range a laboratory considers normal.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Write the word down.
  • Ask what it means.

09Frequently asked questions

My ANC is low: can I go out?

Follow your team's advice.

When will it recover?

It depends on the treatment; your doctor will say.

This word is in my results: should I worry?

The word itself does not mean a serious or mild condition; get the explanation from your doctor.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. My ANC is low: can I go out?

  2. When will it recover?

  3. This word is in my results: should I worry?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: absolute neutrophil count
  2. MedlinePlus. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  3. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  4. National Cancer Institute. Leukemia
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: neutrophil
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: febrile neutropenia
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: platelet
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: transfusion
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: fluorescence in situ hybridization
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: peripherally inserted central catheter
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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