Related Terms
• chemotherapy
• neutropenia
Definition: ANC will often appear on the blood test report of a person receiving chemotherapy. It refers to the percentage of neutrophils (white blood cells that fight infection) and cells that will become neutrophils multiplied by the white blood count (WBC). The significance of the ANC is as follows:
ANC below 2000 is considered to be neutropenia
ANC between 1000-1500 fairly low risk of infection. Chemotherapy will usually be given in this range, but not below it.
ANC between 500-1000 - moderate risk of infection
ANC below 500 - severe neutropenia - high risk of infection
Also Known As: white blood cell count (though this is technically incorrect)
Common Misspellings: neutraphil, neutrafil, neutrofil, newtrophil
Related Resources:
Protecting Yourself During Chemotherapy
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