Definition: During treatment for cancer, blood counts are often down. This may cause infections and fever. One of the most critical parameters is the absolute number of white blood cells that are neutrophils or bands in a sample of blood. This is the Absolute Neutrophil Count. If too low, you may need treatment with growth factors and antibiotics.
Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
From Apply Now, former About.com Guide
Created: September 20, 2006
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
Explore Lymphoma
Must Reads
About.com Special Features
8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs
Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >
Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds
Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this season. More >
Also from About.com:
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.