Absolute Neutrophils
The actual number of neutrophils per microliter of blood.
| Typical reference range | 1,500–7,800 cells/uL |
Ranges vary by laboratory, method, age and sex: always use the range printed on your own report. Why labs differ.
What it measures
The absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is the WBC count multiplied by the neutrophil percentage. It is the best measure of the body's front-line defense against bacteria.
Why it matters
ANC determines infection risk: values below 1500 define neutropenia and below 500 indicate severe risk. Elevated counts point to infection, inflammation or stress.
What a high result can mean
High ANC occurs with bacterial infection, inflammation, tissue injury, smoking, corticosteroids, stress, obesity, pregnancy and, rarely, myeloproliferative disorders.
What a low result can mean
Low ANC can result from viral infections, medications (chemotherapy, clozapine, some antibiotics and antithyroid drugs), autoimmune conditions, B12 or folate deficiency and marrow disorders. Benign ethnic neutropenia commonly yields counts of 1000-1500 without increased infection risk.
What affects the result
Counts rise with exercise, stress and smoking and follow a daily rhythm. Repeated measurements clarify mild abnormalities.
Units and conversion
Usually reported in cells/uL.
- From x10E3/uL: multiply by 1,000 to get cells/uL
- From K/uL: multiply by 1,000 to get cells/uL
- From 10^3/uL: multiply by 1,000 to get cells/uL
- From x10^9/L: multiply by 1,000 to get cells/uL
- From 10*3/uL: multiply by 1,000 to get cells/uL
- From Thousand/uL: multiply by 1,000 to get cells/uL
- From x10E9/L: multiply by 1,000 to get cells/uL
Also called on lab reports
Neutrophils (Absolute), Neutrophils Absolute, ANC, Neut #, Neutrophils, Absolute, Absolute Neutrophil Count, Neutrophils(Absolute), Neutrophils Abs
Related tests: White Blood Cells & Differential
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.