When checking your child's CBC, your physician relies on a count called the Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) to estimate your child's ability to fight infection.  It also tells us if your child is ready to receive his next scheduled chemotherapy.

The ANC is determined by multiplying the total WBC by the percentage of neutrophils and bands (immature neutrophils).   For example:

White Blood Cell Count (WBC) =    1,600

% of Neutrophils (45) + % of Bands (10) =   .55 (55%)

WBC (1600) x .55 = ANC 880

Your nurse will review with you how to calculate your child's ANC prior to discharge.