Absolute Neutrophil Count
Full Form of ANC
What is ANC?
Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) is a laboratory test that measures the number of neutrophils—a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting bacterial infections—in a microliter of blood. In India, ANC is widely used in clinical settings to assess infection risk, particularly for patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, or those with bone marrow disorders like aplastic anemia. It is reported as part of a complete blood count (CBC) and is critical for diagnosing neutropenia, a condition where low neutrophil levels increase vulnerability to infections. ANC is commonly monitored in oncology and hematology departments across Indian hospitals, as well as in outpatient clinics for patients on immunosuppressive therapy. The test is also significant in emergency and critical care, where rapid identification of neutropenia guides proactive antibiotic therapy. For medical students and professionals in India, ANC is a key topic in NEET PG, USMLE, and MBBS examinations, often appearing in questions related to infection management and chemotherapy side effects. Understanding ANC helps clinicians decide on dose adjustments, growth factor support, or isolation precautions, making it an essential parameter in modern medicine.
ANC का फुल फॉर्म
निरपेक्ष न्यूट्रोफिल गणना
Example
The patient's ANC dropped to 500 cells/µL after chemotherapy, requiring immediate intervention.