Are Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) values now required according to the Prescribing Information?
Yes, the prescribing information requires the monitoring of both WBC counts and ANC values. Below is information on how to calculate an ANC and to make this process easier for you, we have provided an ANC calculator. There are two main groups of white blood cells or leukocytes: granulocytes and nongranulocytes. Granulocytes: neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils have multilobed nuclei and may also be called polymorphonuclear leukocytes, “PMNs” or “polys”. Nongranulocytes: monocytes and lymphocytes have nonlobular nuclei and may also be called mononuclear leukocytes. Neutrophils: nuclei of mature neutrophils appear segmented and may also be called segmented neutrophils or “segs”, “PMNs” or “polys”. Nuclei of less mature neutrophils are not segmented, but have a band or rod-like shape, and may also be called “bands” or “stabs”.
