The ANC reflects the number of segmented and band type neutrophils in the total WBC count.It is used as an indicator of immune status because it reflects the type and number of WBC available to rapidly respond to an infection. Neutropenia is a decrease below normal in the number of neutrophils.

ANC = Total WBC * [(segs/100) + (Bands/100)] or
Total WBC * (% Segs + % Bands).

The normal value varies with age but in general mild neutropenia is less than 1.5, moderate neutropenia is between 0.5 and 1, and severe neutropenia is less than 0.5