What it means
It is worked out from the complete blood count: the white blood cell count multiplied by the percentage of neutrophils (mature and band forms). A low count is neutropenianoo-troh-PEE-nee-uhA lower than normal number of neutrophils, the white blood cells that fight bacterial infection first.neutr/o neutral, neutrophil-penia lack, deficiencyFull entry ; the lower it falls, the higher the risk of serious infection. It is checked often in clients receiving chemotherapy.
For the nurse
For a client with a low count, follow neutropenic precautions: strict hand hygiene, no visitors who are sick, and food and plant rules per policy. Report a temperature of 38.0 °C (100.4 °F) or higher at once, because infection can become sepsis quickly.
At a glance
| Normal range | About 1,500–8,000 cells/mm³ [1.5–8.0 × 10⁹/L]; each lab sets its own range. Below 500 cells/mm³ [0.5 × 10⁹/L] is severe neutropenia. |
|---|---|
| Also written | ANC |
Related terms
sepsis
A severe whole-body response to an infection that damages the body's own organs.
neutrophil
The most common type of white blood cell, which is first to reach and destroy bacteria at a site of infection.
neutropenia
A lower than normal number of neutrophils, the white blood cells that fight bacterial infection first.