Not medically reviewed
Haematology
Neutrophils (absolute count) (ANC)
Not medically reviewed · Content last updated · 1 min read ·
This is the date the draft was written, not a medical review date.
Neutrophils are the main phagocytes against bacterial and fungal infection. The absolute count (percentage multiplied by the total leucocyte count) is the clinically relevant value.
Reference interval
| Conventional (x10^3/µL) | SI (x10^9/L) | |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | 1.8–7.5 x10^3/µL | 1.8–7.5 x10^9/L |
Specimen: Whole blood (EDTA) · Conventional × 1 = SI
Causes of high values
Neutrophilia: bacterial infection, inflammation, tissue injury, corticosteroids, smoking, stress, pregnancy and myeloproliferative disorders.
Causes of low values
Neutropenia: chemotherapy and other drugs, viral infection, autoimmune neutropenia, marrow failure or infiltration, B12 or folate deficiency and benign ethnic neutropenia. Severe neutropenia carries a high risk of serious infection and is managed according to local protocols.
Pre-analytical and method notes
Reference ranges depend on age, ethnicity and method; the lower limit is often lower in people of African, Middle Eastern or Arab ancestry. Severity thresholds for neutropenia (for example below 0.5 x10^9/L) are commonly used but should follow local guidelines.
References
- Rifai N, Horvath AR, Wittwer CT. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. Elsevier, 6th edition (2018) — Tier 3 (textbook)
- McPherson RA, Pincus MR. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. Elsevier — Tier 3 (textbook)
- Loscalzo J, et al.. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. McGraw-Hill, 21st edition (2022) — Tier 3 (textbook)
References are listed only where the article cites them. See the sources page for the full policy. How sources are chosen and credited