Absolute Neutrophil Count - ANC Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Absolute Neutrophil Count - ANC Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Abs Neutrophil Count Test, Neutrophils (Absolute) Test |
| Sample Type | Whole blood (collected in an EDTA tube) |
| Fasting Required | Not required |
| Report Time | Within 1 day |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders; especially important for people on chemotherapy, those with frequent infections, or those with weakened immunity |
| Price | Starting at ₹190 |
What is an Absolute Neutrophil Count - ANC Test?
The absolute neutrophil count - ANC test measures the number of neutrophils circulating in your blood. Neutrophils are white blood cells that act as your body's first line of defence against bacterial and fungal infections. A doctor may order this test to check your immune function, investigate symptoms of infection, or monitor treatment for conditions such as cancer. It is also known as the abs neutrophil count test or neutrophils (absolute) test.
What Does an Absolute Neutrophil Count - ANC Test Measure?
The absolute neutrophil count - ANC test measures the neutrophils in your blood sample. Here is what it tells you:
| Component | What It Is |
|---|---|
| Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) | The total number of neutrophils in the blood, reflecting the body's current capacity to fight infections |
Understanding this number helps doctors assess whether your immune system can adequately protect you from infections, or whether it may be suppressed due to illness, medication, or a bone marrow problem.
Why is an Absolute Neutrophil Count - ANC Test Done?
Doctors order this test for a range of reasons, from investigating unexplained symptoms to tracking the effects of cancer treatment.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request this test.
- Fever with no obvious cause (febrile neutropenia)
- Sore throat or recurring throat infections
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Mouth ulcers or sores around the body
- Pain, swelling, or rash at an infection site
- Burning sensation during urination or other urinary symptoms
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The absolute neutrophil count - ANC test can help identify or monitor several conditions.
- Bacterial or viral infections and general inflammation
- Neutropenia (abnormally low neutrophil count), often caused by chemotherapy
- Bone marrow disorders affecting white blood cell production
- Chronic myelogenous leukaemia and other blood cancers
- Autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases
- Nutritional deficiencies such as folate or vitamin B12 deficiency
Absolute Neutrophil Count - ANC Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
This test plays an important role in managing cancer treatment. Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, which includes white blood cells, so regular monitoring is needed to assess whether a patient can safely proceed to the next treatment cycle. Doctors typically recommend weekly blood tests, including ANC test monitoring, during chemotherapy, with more frequent checks during high-risk periods. The test is also used to monitor patients with autoimmune disorders, those who have undergone bone marrow transplants, and patients on immunosuppressive medicines.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The ANC test procedure is straightforward and requires no special preparation. Here is what you need to know before your visit.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the absolute neutrophil count - ANC test when it is ordered on its own. However, if your doctor has combined it with other tests, some of those may require fasting. Confirm with your doctor at the time of booking.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind to ensure a smooth and accurate collection:
- Stay well-hydrated before your appointment, as this makes the blood draw easier
- Avoid strenuous exercise and smoking in the hours before your test, as both can affect neutrophil counts
- Inform your doctor about any recent infections, vaccinations, steroid use, or new medications, as these can influence your results
- Wear a loose-sleeved top for easy access to your arm
Step-by-Step Procedure
The blood collection for this test is quick and straightforward. Here is what to expect:
- A trained phlebotomist (a person who draws blood) will verify your identity and briefly explain the process.
- A tourniquet is wrapped around your upper arm to make the vein more visible.
- The skin over the vein is cleaned with an alcohol swab and allowed to dry.
- A small needle is gently inserted into the vein. A tiny flash of blood in the needle confirms the correct position.
- About 2 ml of blood is drawn into an EDTA tube (a special tube that prevents the blood from clotting).
- The needle is removed, and gentle pressure is applied to the site. Your sample is then labelled and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence your test results:
- Recent infections or vaccinations
- Strenuous physical exercise shortly before the test
- Emotional or physical stress
- Certain medications, including steroids and chemotherapy medicines
- Smoking
- Natural day-to-day fluctuations in neutrophil counts
Understanding Your Absolute Neutrophil Count - ANC Test Results
Your results will show a single number representing your neutrophil count. The table below outlines generally accepted reference ranges across different age groups.
| Age Group | Normal ANC Range |
|---|---|
| Newborns (up to 1 month) | 2,000 to 10,000 cells per µL |
| 1 month to 13 years | 1,500 to 6,000 cells per µL |
| 13 years and above | 1,800 to 7,800 cells per µL |
| Adults (general reference) | 2,500 to 7,000 cells per µL |
If your ANC is low, the result may be further classified by severity:
| Severity | ANC Level |
|---|---|
| Mild neutropenia | 1,000 to 1,500 cells/µL |
| Moderate neutropenia | 500 to 1,000 cells/µL |
| Severe neutropenia | Below 500 cells/µL |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can affect how your results are interpreted:
- During pregnancy, neutrophil counts naturally rise from around the second month onwards. This is a normal response to the physical demands of pregnancy. Counts typically return to normal within about six days after delivery.
- People of African, Middle Eastern, or West Indian descent often have a naturally lower ANC than standard reference ranges suggest. This is known as benign ethnic neutropenia and carries no clinical significance.
- Newborns delivered vaginally tend to have higher neutrophil counts at birth compared with those delivered by caesarean section due to the physical stress of labour.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general wellness habits support a healthy immune system.
- Eat a balanced diet that includes foods rich in vitamin B12 and folate, such as leafy greens, eggs, and lean meat
- Manage stress through regular rest and adequate sleep
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, as both can affect neutrophil counts over time
Lupin Diagnostics Absolute Neutrophil Count - ANC Test Price and Home Collection
The ANC test cost starts at ₹190 and is available at Lupin Diagnostics with home sample collection offered across cities in India. The table below shows indicative prices:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 180 |
| CHENNAI | 160 |
| HYDERABAD | 160 |
| KOLKATA | 170 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 190 |
| PUNE | 190 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps for ANC test online booking:
- Select the absolute neutrophil count - ANC test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 1 day.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers ANC test home collection across cities in India, so you can have your blood sample collected at a time and place that suits you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced professionals. Your digital report is delivered securely via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The absolute neutrophil count (ANC) test measures the number of neutrophils (infection-fighting white blood cells) in your blood. Doctors use it to assess immune function, investigate recurring infections, and monitor patients undergoing chemotherapy or treatment for blood disorders.
A regular white blood cell (WBC) count measures all types of white blood cells together. This test specifically counts only neutrophils, which are the most important white cells for fighting bacterial and fungal infections. The ANC gives a more precise picture of your infection-fighting capacity than the total WBC count alone.
A low ANC, called neutropenia, means your body has fewer neutrophils than normal and may struggle to fight infections effectively. When the ANC drops below 500 cells/µL, the risk of serious infection increases considerably. Your doctor will advise you on next steps based on the severity and likely cause.
For patients on chemotherapy, your doctor will advise on the frequency. Weekly monitoring is often recommended, with more frequent testing during the period when neutrophil counts are expected to be at their lowest. Your oncologist will set the schedule based on your specific treatment plan.
No, fasting is not required before the ANC test when it is ordered on its own. If your doctor has requested it alongside other tests, check whether any of those require fasting beforehand.
Yes. Physical or emotional stress can temporarily raise neutrophil counts. Similarly, strenuous exercise, smoking, or a minor illness in the days before your test may also influence the result. Let your doctor know if any of these apply to you.
Absolute Neutrophil Count - ANC Test: Booking, Price, and Results
