Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
Calculates the absolute neutrophil count from WBC and differential to assess neutropenia risk and infection susceptibility.
Score interpretation
→ ANC ≥2.0 ×10⁹/L — normal neutrophil count. No neutropenia.
→ ANC 1.5–2.0 ×10⁹/L — mild neutropenia. Monitor; usually no dose modification needed.
→ ANC 1.0–1.5 ×10⁹/L — moderate neutropenia. Review chemotherapy timing; consider G-CSF.
→ ANC 0.5–1.0 ×10⁹/L — severe neutropenia. High infection risk; consider G-CSF; delay chemotherapy.
→ ANC <0.5 ×10⁹/L — profound neutropenia/agranulocytosis. Protective isolation, empirical antibiotics, urgent haematology review.
Interpretation bands for the ANC. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Folinic Acid (Calcium Folinate / Leucovorin) · Antidote / Chemotherapy Support
- Cisplatin · Platinum Chemotherapy — Head and Neck Cancer
- Methotrexate · Chemotherapy / Immunosuppressant — Head and Neck / Granulomatosis
- Rituximab (Haematology) · Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody
- Folinic Acid (Calcium Folinate / Leucovorin) · Antidote / Chemotherapy Support
- Meropenem (Paediatric) · Carbapenem — Severe / MDR Gram-Negative Infections / Febrile Neutropenia
- 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.