Granulocyte Count (Absolute Neutrophil Count, ANC)
This test measures the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in your blood. Neutrophils help fight infections and inflammation.
["Neutrophils are key defenders against bacterial infections; low or high levels may signal health concerns."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 102819-0
- Short code
- Red Snapper IgG RAST
- Synonyms
- Red Snapper IgG RAST
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- rast
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors may order this test to diagnose or monitor conditions like infections, certain cancers (e.g., leukemia), immune disorders, or to check how your body responds to treatments that affect white blood cells.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your vein (usually in your arm) to draw blood. It usually takes a few minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch.
What the Test Results Mean
Results are expressed as the count of neutrophils per microliter (µL) of blood. Abnormal levels (either too high or too low) can indicate infections, immune system issues, or other health problems.
Common Conditions Affecting Neutrophil Levels
Low neutrophil counts (neutropenia) may be linked to infections, autoimmune diseases, or medications that suppress the bone marrow. High neutrophil counts (neutrophilia) can occur with infections, stress, or certain inflammatory conditions.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: Neutrophils are the body’s primary responders to bacterial infections. Low counts increase infection risk, while high counts may signal acute infection, inflammation, or stress responses. This test helps guide treatment for infections, cancer, or immune disorders.
Short name
ANC
Frequently asked questions
What causes my neutrophil count to be low?
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect neutrophil counts?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy