ANC and what it really is and why I talk about it all the time.

I have mentioned the ANC and finally found something that helps explain it. We live and die by this number. We have not had a blood count since last Tuesday. It was 1880 and we were able to start treatment. It should be much lower today. Hopefully this info will be helpful. I wish for each of you that you never have to know what this is in your child.


What is Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)?
Absolute neutrophil count, or ANC, is the real or actual number of white blood cells (WBCs) your child has to fight an infection. White blood cells work against possible bacteria, fungus or viruses that may make your child sick.
Your child's ANC will slowly rise showing that his/her bone marrow (the part of his/her body that makes white blood cells) is recovering after chemotherapy or radiation.
After chemotherapy, radiation, or a blood or marrow transplant, your child's ANC will slowly increase, showing that the new blood cells are starting to grow and mature. It is not unusual for your child's ANC to go up and down each day during the early phase of bone marrow recovery.
A normal ANC is 1500 or higher; a "safe" ANC is 500-1500; a low ANC is less than 500. A safe ANC means that your child's activities do not need to be restricted. If your child has had a blood or marrow transplant, other parts of the immune system may take several months to recover. Ask your child's doctor about specific restrictions which may apply.
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How to calculate ANC
Calculate your child's ANC using the numbers from your child's complete blood count (CBC). The formula is:
ANC = Total WBCs x (segs + bands)
Multiply the total number of WBCs by the number of segs plus bands (the types of WBCs that fight bacterial infections).
For example, your child's WBC is 4,000, and he has 20% (.20) segs and 10% (.10) bands. Calculate the ANC as follows:
ANC = 4,000 x (.20 + .10)ANC = 4,000 x (.30)ANC = 1,200
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Safety tips
After chemotherapy or radiation, your child's ANC may drop as low as zero. If your child's ANC drops below 500, it is important to:
Avoid crowds and people who are sick with a cold, flu or runny nose. If your child needs to be admitted to the hospital with a fever and a low ANC, people with a cold or flu will not be able to visit your child. This is to protect your child from being exposed to possible infections.
Wash your and your child's hands carefully to reduce the risk of catching an infection from another person.
Avoid sharing utensils or cups with others when eating or drinking.
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Call your child's doctor
Call your child's doctor immediately if your child has a low ANC and any of the following signs:
A fever above 100.5°F (38°C) twice in a 1-hour period, or any single fever above 101.5°F (38.5°C). Let the physician know whether the temperature was taken under the arm or in the mouth.
Sores in the buttock area, mouth, or on his/her skin; you may notice redness, drainage, or pain and tenderness to touch
Cough
Any other signs of infection