Total WBC (cells/mm^3) | |
% of cells Neutrophils | |
% of cells Bands |
ANC (cells/mm3) = [(Neutrophil % + Band Cells %) × Total WBC] / 100
Neutropenia is defined as an ANC <500 cells/mm3 and is commonly associated with myelosuppressive chemotherapy.
An ANC <500 places the patient at risk for serious infection by a variety of pathogens.
Reference:
Patient Education.National Institute of Health Clinical center. http://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/patient_education/pepubs/cbc97.pdf. Updated on Aug 2011. Last accessed July 2013