What is the difference between Segs and Bands?

Segs (Segmented) are mature fighters. Bands are immature baby neutrophils. A high 'Band' count ('Left Shift') means the body is rushing production to fight an infection.

Is an ANC of 0 possible?

Yes, this is called Agranulocytosis. It is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate hospitalization and isolation.

ANC Calculator: Neutropenia & Infection Risk

What is ANC?

White Blood Cells (WBC) are your body's overall army, but Neutrophils are the "Front Line Infantry" specifically designed to kill bacteria. The Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) tells you the actual number of these soldiers available to fight, which is far more important than the total WBC count when assessing infection risk.

Why "Bands" Matter

The "Left Shift"

Bands are immature "baby" neutrophils that typically stay in the bone marrow until they grow up into "Segs". If your blood report shows a high number of Bands, it means your body is desperate and releasing untrained soldiers early to fight a severe active infection. This phenomenon is called a "Left Shift."

Neutropenia Precautions (The < 500 Zone)

When ANC drops below 500, the body has almost no defense against bacterial invaders. This is a medical emergency risk zone.

🚫No Fresh Flowers: They carry fungal spores (Aspergillus) that can be deadly.
🚫No Raw Foods: Avoid sushi, unpeeled fruits, and raw vegetables. Cook everything well.
✅Hand Hygiene: Wash hands strictly for 20 seconds before eating or touching your face.
✅Mask Up: Wear a high-quality mask in any public space or waiting room.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start chemotherapy with an ANC of 1200?

Typically, oncologists prefer an ANC above 1500 to start a new cycle. However, for some aggressive protocols or in palliative settings, a threshold of 1000 may be accepted if the patient is monitored closely or given growth factors (like Neulasta / Filgrastim). Always follow your specific doctor's protocol.

How to increase ANC quickly naturally?

There is no proven "fast food fix" to raise neutrophils overnight; this is a common myth. The bone marrow takes time to regenerate. However, eating a high-protein, hygienic, well-cooked diet provides the building blocks for recovery. Medical treatments like G-CSF injections are the only scientific way to rapidly force the marrow to produce cells.

Why is my ANC low if I am not on chemo?

"Benign Ethnic Neutropenia" is common in certain populations (African, Middle Eastern descent) where a lower baseline is genetically normal and healthy. Viral infections (Flu, HIV), autoimmune disorders (Lupus), or vitamin B12/Folate deficiencies can also temporarily suppress production.

Tools & Data Verified by the EverydayCalculators Medical Research Team.

Last updated: January 2026.

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Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)

What is ANC?

Why "Bands" Matter

The "Left Shift"

Neutropenia Precautions (The < 500 Zone)

Frequently Asked Questions