ANC Full Form

ANC full form is Absolute Neutrophil Count, and it refers to a blood test that checks the number of neutrophils present in human blood. Neutrophils are white blood cells which act as a defense mechanism against infections. ANC falls a significant part of the larger blood panel which is often known as complete blood count. It is basically calculated by multiplying WBC count by the number of neutrophils present in differential white blood cell count. To detect any inflammation or infection in the body, physicians conduct blood tests to count the number of neutrophils. If you intend to enhance your knowledge base in ANC, go through our article as we will provide comprehensive details related to Absolute Neutrophil Count.

What is ANC Full Form?

The full form of ANC is Absolute Neutrophil Count which determines the total number of neutrophils present in human blood. Our immune system fights infection with the help of white blood cells. Amongst different types of WBCs, neutrophils play a crucial role in strengthening the body's immunity against foreign particles, bacteria and fungi. ANC is primarily used in treating immunocompromised patients. 

ANC cannot be measured directly; it is calculated as the percentage of neutrophils in differential WBCs. On an average, a healthy person has 2500-6000 microliters of ANC. An individual’s weakening immune system is best reflected in the ANC test report. Low ANC can lead to a health condition called Neutropenia. 

Overview on ANC

How is the ANC Test conducted?

Generally, doctors include the calculation of the Absolute Neutrophil Count in the complete blood test. In the CBC test, an individual can learn about the following:

• RBC (Red Blood Cells): It carries oxygen and carbon dioxide from your tissue.
• WBC(White Blood Cell): It helps to create a shield against bacteria thereby, preventing infections.
• Platelets: These refer to the cellular components which control bleeding.

ANCs are calculated by total WBCs and the percentage of neutrophils present in them. Let's help you understand it through an example.

Suppose an individual's WBC is 8000 whereby 50% of the WBC comprises neutrophils, then his/her ANC accounts for 4000. You can get the number by multiplying 8000 by 0.50.

Nowadays, with technological advancements, various tools are available that help in automatically finding the ANC. In fact, lab personnel use microscopes to detect the number of ANCs; during the findings, one can even discover 'segs' and 'bands'. Bands refer to neutrophils that are considered immature, while segs are matured neutrophils. 

Understanding the ANC Reports

When checking the Absolute Neutrophil Count report, it is essential to understand different types of categories or levels of neutrophils which are indicative of your immune system’s health. Basically, ANC falls into three types which include:

• High Absolute Neutrophil Count: When your body contains the maximum amount of neutrophils, it leads to a health condition called Neutrophilia. If the ANC exceeds 6000 which is the normal count, your body becomes vulnerable to infections.
• Low Absolute Neutrophil Count: If the neutrophil level drops to below 2500 per microliter of blood, you will be diagnosed with Neutropenia. A low level of ANC leads to a higher risk of infections.
• Normal Absolute Neutrophil Count: A healthy person has ANC ranging between 2500 to 6000 per microliter of blood. These individuals' bodies can fight infections effectively.

What are the Reasons and Health Impacts of Low ANC?

A low level of neutrophils can majorly affect your body’s immune system making it vulnerable to bacterial attacks. Generally, the different types of blood cells including neutrophils are made in the bone marrow. Cancer therapies like chemotherapy might affect the number of neutrophils in the body. Besides chemotherapies, there are few other conditions that result in low ANCs.

• When treating tocilizumab, a type of rheumatoid arthritis, the number of neutrophils can drop drastically thereby, causing severe infections as it blocks the body's signals causing inflammation.
• At the time of autoimmune illness treatment, the incidence of the low count of neutrophils is commonplace as in this health condition the immune system attacks the body by mistake.
• For chronic Neutropenia, there's no possible reason in medical science.

Common Symptoms indicating Low ANC

Often lower levels of neutrophils do not come with a signal; however there are a few signs that you can experience with a drop in ANC. Below are some of the top signs of low ANC.

• Fatigue
• Cough
• Pain
• Fever
• Trouble breathing
• Diarrhea
• Chills

If you detect any of the above mentioned symptoms, you should immediately visit your physician and get an ANC test done. 

What Does High ANC Mean for Your Body?

Increased levels of neutrophils can cause a health condition known as neutrophilia that turns your body highly vulnerable to bacterial attacks. People detected with more than 7500 neutrophil counts might stay at risk of facing various types of health problems. As per medical science, one of the primary people acting as a catalyst to the higher levels of ANC includes stress, smoking, inflammation, blood disorders or any common infection. 

Some of the common signs which indicate high ANC are:

• Dizziness
• Fever
• Weakness
• Recurring infections
• Painful joints

Though no proper treatment can be availed for a high count of neutrophils as it is just an underlying condition; however, physicians suggest some measures that will enable people to prevent its occurrence. Stress management, maintaining a healthy weight, and those who are chain smokers should try quitting it. Those diagnosed with neutrophilia should consult a healthcare professional in case they expect any symptoms mentioned above. 

Why is the ANC Test Vital for Pregnant Women?

The ANC test, the full form of which is Absolute Neutrophil Count, is significant for pregnant women because during this phase the level of neutrophils may rise abnormally. Well, according to some physicians, it is pretty normal to have high neutrophils among pregnant women; at times, it might indicate an issue like gestational diabetes.

One of the principal reasons for an increased level of neutrophils during pregnancy is the numerous changes the body undergoes during this time. Women can have an ANC count of 13,200 to 15,900 during pregnancy; however, in case it crosses the limit, consultation with a physician is essential. Symptoms like fever, swelling, fatigue or bruising can indicate a high WBC count among pregnant adults that requires treatment; otherwise, gestational diabetes can prove distressful. It is highly recommended for pregnant women to get their ANC tests done to avoid any major complications.

How can ANC Be Related to Cancer?

As Neutrophils constitute 50 to 70 percent of WBC it acts as an indicator of an individual’s susceptibility to be diagnosed with acne. ANC tests are widely adopted to diagnose cancer; high amounts of neutrophils can cause the growth of cancerous cells in the body. As per some clinical studies, it was found that low levels of neutrophils were detected in patients who have undergone chemotherapy. In fact, individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer or a tumour at an age of more than 70 years often develop neutropenia.

Neutrophils have been recognized as a component in prompting cancerous growth of cells. It has been found that neutrophils contain rich granules that perform certain specific functions; protein granules that an activated neutrophil releases might be linked to cancer progression. In cancer treatment, Absolute Neutrophils Count, (ANC full form) tests play a vital role in helping doctors understand the condition of the immune system thereby applying treatment procedures accordingly.