Absolute Neutrophil Count Test in Kathmandu

About this test

The Absolute Neutrophil Count tells your doctor exactly how many neutrophils — the white cells that form your body's first line of defence against bacteria and fungi — are circulating in each microlitre of blood. Rather than a percentage, it gives a real number, calculated from the total white-cell count and the proportion of neutrophils and immature band forms on the differential. This number matters because it predicts how well you can fight infection. A value below 1,500 is termed neutropenia, and the lower it falls the higher the danger: under 500 (severe neutropenia) even ordinary mouth or gut bacteria can cause life-threatening sepsis, so any fever in this range is treated as an emergency. Doctors most often request the ANC to monitor patients on chemotherapy, after radiotherapy, or on drugs such as carbimazole, and to investigate someone with recurrent mouth ulcers, sore throats, abscesses, or unexplained fevers. A raised count, on the other hand, commonly accompanies bacterial infection, physical stress, steroid use, or smoking. In Kathmandu the test is particularly useful when distinguishing bacterial illness — which typically pushes neutrophils up — from the viral and dengue fevers that crowd the monsoon months and tend to lower or barely change the count, and from enteric (typhoid) fever, where neutrophils are often surprisingly normal or low. The ANC is never read in isolation; your doctor will weigh it against the rest of the complete blood count, your temperature, and your medicines before deciding whether you need antibiotics, isolation, or simply reassurance and a repeat sample in a few days.

Sample type

Whole blood (EDTA)

Preparation

No fasting required. Drink water normally. If you are on chemotherapy or are taking any medicine that affects your blood counts, please mention it so the result can be read in context.

Turnaround time

Reports for Absolute Neutrophil Count are typically ready within: Same Day. Reports can be collected at the clinic during opening hours or shared via WhatsApp once they are ready.

Also known as

Other hematology tests we run

These are routinely ordered alongside Absolute Neutrophil Count or as part of the same diagnostic workup.

How to book

WhatsApp is the fastest way — message us with the test name and your preferred time, and we'll confirm a slot the same day. You can also walk into the clinic at Rumba Chowk, Sanobharang any day between 7AM and 8PM, or fill in our online booking form.