Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that act as the immune systems first line of defense against infections and injuries. They are the most common type of white blood cell and make up anywhere from 50% to 80% of all white blood cells in the body. Neutrophils are made in the bone marrow and migrate through the circulation system in the blood and tissues.
The absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is a measure of the number of neutrophils in the blood and is used to estimate the bodys ability to fight infections, especially bacterial infections. A lower than normal number of neutrophils (lower than 500) is called neutropenia, and a higher than normal number is called neutrophilia. A normal ANC range is between 1,500 and 7,700 neutrophils per microliter of blood.
The ANC is found by multiplying the white blood cell count by the percentage of neutrophils in the blood. A low absolute neutrophil count is referred to as neutropenia, which can be caused by various factors such as infections, chemotherapy, bone marrow disorders, vitamin deficiencies, and autoimmune diseases. A high absolute neutrophil count is called neutrophilia, which can be caused by inflammation, infection, stress, and vigorous exercise.
