An absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is a blood test that measures the number of neutrophils in a sample of blood. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that help the body fight infections and heal injuries. The ANC is found by multiplying the white blood cell (WBC) count by the percentage of neutrophils in the blood. The normal range of neutrophils in a healthy adult is between 2,500 and 7,000 neutrophils per microliter of blood. Any number above 7,000 or below 2,500 puts you at risk of a neutrophil condition. A low ANC, also known as neutropenia, is when the number of neutrophils in the blood is lower than normal. A lower than normal number of neutrophils (lower than 500) is called severe neutropenia. The lower a person’s ANC is, the higher the risk of getting an infection. A high ANC, also known as neutrophilia, is when the number of neutrophils in the blood is higher than normal. High neutrophils can be caused by infection, inflammation, stress, and vigorous exercise. Doctors often focus on treating the underlying cause of neutrophilia, rather than the neutrophilia itself.