In the ANC calculation, what is the total WBC count used in the example provided?

When calculating the absolute neutrophil count (ANC), the total white blood cell (WBC) count is a crucial component because it helps determine the number of neutrophils in the bloodstream. The ANC is calculated using the formula: ANC = (WBC count) × (percentage of neutrophils + percentage of bands). The choice indicating a total WBC count of 2.1 aligns with typical ranges seen in clinical examples for ANC calculations, reflecting a situation where you might be monitoring a patient at risk for infection.

In this context, having a WBC count of 2.1 means that it’s low but still within a clinically significant range that can prompt further monitoring or intervention. Counts below normal thresholds, which could be observed in chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy contexts, are critical when managing patient care. Hence, the chosen WBC count directly impacts the ANC calculation and informs clinical decision-making.