Neutrophils are the main type of white blood cell. They are the main white blood cells that trigger a response in the immune system. Amongst the five types of white blood cells, the largest percentage of cells is the neutrophils, with 55 – 70% of the white blood cells. The white blood cells, which are also known as leukocytes, are an important part of the immune system.
The immune system consists of cells, tissues and organs. The white blood cells are a part of this complex system, patrolling your lymphatic system and bloodstream.
When you have a minor injury or are sick, the presence of a foreign body called antigens triggers your immune system.
Antigens include:
Fungi
Bacteria
Poisons
Viruses
Cancer cells
The white blood cells help fight these antigens by identifying the source of the inflammation or infection with the chemicals produced
Neutrophils have an important function because, unlike the other four types of white blood cells, they aren’t confined to a specific area in the body. They circulate freely through the walls of the veins and tissues in the body to attack any antigen.
Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)
The absolute neutrophil count can give your doctor information about your health. This test is usually a part of your complete blood called (CBC) and differential WBC count. A CBC test measures all the cells in your blood.
Your healthcare professional may recommend an ANC to:
Monitor an existing condition or during chemotherapy
Diagnose a condition
Screen for different conditions
If the ANC result is abnormal, the doctor may order repeated testing several times over a few weeks. This helps to monitor changes in neutrophil count.
What you should expect
An ANC test requires a small amount of blood sample, usually from a vein in the arm. The blood collection can be in a lab or the doctor’s office. Laboratory analysis of the blood will provide the ANC result.
Some conditions can affect your ANC blood test. Ensure you also inform the provider if you are pregnant or have any of these conditions.
HIV
Anxiety
Corticosteroid therapy
Radiation therapy
A recent infection
Chemotherapy
Recent surgery
Understanding the ANC result
Your healthcare provider will explain your test result. The ANC results usually vary in different labs and depend on the following.
Gender
Age
Heritage
The instruments used during testing
Living at high altitudes
Below are the approximate reference ranges for adults measured in microliters (mcL).
Test
Normal cell count
Normal differential range
High levels (neutrophilia and leucocytosis)
Low levels (neutropenia and leukopenia)
Neutrophils (ANC)
1500 – 8000 (1.5 – 8.0) neutrophils per mcL
45 – 75% of total white blood cells
˃8000 neutrophils per mcL
Mild- 1000- 1500 neutrophils per mcL
Moderate- 500 – 1000 neutrophils per mcL
Severe- ˂500 neutrophils per mcL
White blood cells (WBC)
4300 – 10000 (4.3 – 10.0) white blood cells per mcL
1% of total blood volume
˃12000 white blood cells per mcL
˂4000 white blood cells per mcL
Causes of high neutrophil levels
A high neutrophil level in the blood is known as neutrophilia. This may be due to an infection in the body. Neutrophilia can indicate several underlying conditions and factors, such as:
Injury
Surgery
Infection, usually bacterial
Steroid use
High-stress level
Sniffing tobacco or smoking cigarettes
Non-infectious inflammation
Excessive exercise
Heart attacks
Chronic myeloid leukaemia
Causes of low neutrophil levels
Neutropenia refers to low neutrophil levels. Low neutrophil counts usually occur from taking medications but may also indicate illnesses. They include:
Hepatitis A, B or C
Suppressed immune system
Some drugs, like those used during chemotherapy
HIV/AIDS
Aplastic anaemia
Bone marrow failure
Congenital disorders such as cyclic neutropenia and Kostmann syndrome
Febrile neutropenia – a medical emergency
Myelodysplastic syndromes
Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis
Sepsis
Leukaemia
You are at the highest risk of infection if your neutrophil count is below 1500 neutrophils/microliter. Life-threatening infections may also occur if the neutrophil count is very low.
Questions to ask your healthcare provider
If your healthcare provider orders an ANC screening or a CBC with differential, consider asking the following questions.
Why do I need this test?
Do you want to eliminate or confirm a condition?
How soon will my results be available?
Do I need any special preparation for the test?
Will you or someone else give me the results and explain them?
If you’re concerned about getting accurate results for y our neutrophil count, visit Private Blood Tests London. Our healthcare professional will perform the test and explain your results. Call us on 02071830244 to book an appointment for your absolute neutrophil count (ANC).
Please call 020 71830244 to book this test or fill in the form and one of our team members arrange this test for you.
Online booking is not available for this blood test, you need to call 020 71830244 also not available on Saturday and Sunday. ONLY during the week.
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