Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) Calculator
Calculates absolute neutrophil count from total white cell count and differential. Used to assess infection risk in chemotherapy patients and guide clinical decisions.
Score interpretation
ANC ≥ 2.0 ×10⁹/L: Normal. Adequate neutrophil function.
→ No specific precautions. Chemotherapy can proceed at standard doses per protocol.
ANC 1.0–1.99 ×10⁹/L: Mild neutropenia.
→ Monitor closely. Chemotherapy dose reduction may be required per protocol. Avoid live vaccines. Educate patient on infection signs.
ANC 0.5–0.99 ×10⁹/L: Moderate neutropenia. Significant infection risk.
→ Hold chemotherapy until ANC ≥ 1.0. Consider prophylactic antibiotics (ciprofloxacin) per local protocol. Patient education: fever = seek medical attention immediately. Consider G-CSF if prolonged.
ANC < 0.5 ×10⁹/L: Severe neutropenia. High risk of life-threatening infection.
→ Hold all chemotherapy. If febrile (temp ≥ 38°C): activate febrile neutropenia protocol — blood cultures, IV piperacillin-tazobactam within 1h. G-CSF (filgrastim/lenograstim) if: expected prolonged neutropenia, high-risk features, or per protocol. Haematology/oncology review.
Interpretation bands for the ANC. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Crawford J, et al. Myeloid growth factors. J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2009;7(1):64–83.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Meropenem (Paediatric) · Carbapenem — Severe / MDR Gram-Negative Infections / Febrile Neutropenia
- Folinic Acid (Calcium Folinate / Leucovorin) · Antidote / Chemotherapy Support
- Zoledronic Acid · Bisphosphonate (IV)
- Denosumab · RANK Ligand Inhibitor (Anti-resorptive)
- Cisplatin · Platinum Chemotherapy — Head and Neck Cancer
- Methotrexate · Chemotherapy / Immunosuppressant — Head and Neck / Granulomatosis
- Major Haemorrhage / Massive Transfusion · BCSH; RCOA; RCEM; RCS — BCSH Guidelines
- Anaemia Investigation · BSH / NICE
- Splenomegaly Workup · BSH; BMJ Best Practice
- Deep Vein Thrombosis Diagnosis and Treatment · NICE CG144 / NICE NG158
- Sickle Cell Crisis · BSH 2021 / BCSH
- Neutropenic Sepsis · NICE CG151 2012 / ESMO
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.