What it means
Neutrophils make up about half or more of all white blood cellwite blud selA blood cell that is part of the immune system and helps the body fight infection and other foreign material.Full entry . They eat and kill bacteria and fungi and form pus. The absolute neutrophil count (ANC) shows how well the body can fight infection; a low count, neutropenia, is common after chemotherapy. Young neutrophils are called bands, and more bands in the blood suggests a new infection.
For the nurse
A client with a low ANC is at high risk of infection: use strict hand hygiene, keep sick visitors and staff away, and report any fever at once, since the usual signs of infection may be missing.
At a glance
| Normal range | About 55–70% of white blood cells; ANC about 2,500–8,000/mm3 [2.5–8.0 × 10^9/L]. Each lab sets its own reference range. |
|---|---|
| Abbreviations | ANC (absolute neutrophil count) |
| Spanish | neutrófilo |
| Also written | neutrophils |
Related terms
immune system
The body's defense system of cells, tissues and organs that fights germs and other foreign substances.
complete blood count
A common blood test that counts and measures the red cells, white cells and platelets in the blood.
infection
The entry and growth of germs, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites, in the body.
white blood cell
A blood cell that is part of the immune system and helps the body fight infection and other foreign material.