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Definitions

Absolute Granulocyte Count (AGC)

see Absolute Neutriphil Count (ANC)

Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)

The activities of families of children with cancer revolve around the sick child's white count, specifically the absolute neutrophil count (ANC). This is sometimes called an absolute granulocyte count (AGC). The ANC (or AGC) provides an indication of the child's ability to fight infection. When a child has blood drawn for a complete blood count (CBC), one section of the lab report will state the total white blood cell (WBC) count and a "differential," in which each type of white blood cell is listed as a percentage of the total. To calculate the ANC, add the percentages of neutrophils and bands, and multiply by the total WBC. ANC = WBC * (%SEGS + %BANDS). A quick calculator can be found at http://www.globalrph.com/anc.htm

Bands

Segs and bands are immature neutrophils.

Basophils

These cells are responsible for controlling inflammation and damage of tissues in the body, such as liver inflammation due to hepatitis. Multiplying the percentage of basophils by the total number of white blood cells will give the "absolute" number of these types of cells.

Blasts

"blast" is the short name used for lymphoblasts, the immature white blood cells. There are normal blasts and leukemia blasts. Normally, blasts compose less than five percent of the cells made by the bone marrow and grow to form mature white blood cells. Leukemia blasts are abnormal because they remain immature and do not function like normal white blood cells.

When a large number of blasts or leukemia cells appear in the bone marrow, several things occur. As the cells accumulate in the bone marrow, they begin to crowd out the normal blood cells that develop there. Eventually, they take up so much room that red blood cells, platelets, and normal white blood cells cannot be reproduced.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

normal test to find blood count levels. Usually performed through a finger prick or IV.

Differential

The differential is a breakdown of the different types of white blood cells, also called leukocytes. There are actually two main types of white blood cells: phagocytes and lymphocytes. Phagocytes attack germs directly and are powerful defenses against certain infections. Lymphocytes, which include T-cells, play a large role in fighting chronic infections, such as HIV.

Eosinophils

A high number of eosonophils, a type of phagocyte that produces the anti-inflammatory protein histamine, can be seen in people with allergies or parasitic infections. Multiplying the percentage of eosinophils by the total number of white blood cells will give the "absolute" number of these types of cells.

Hematocrit (HCT)

Both Hemoglobin & Hematocrit can help you and your doctor learn a bit more about your red blood cells. Hemoglobin is a protein used by red blood cells to distribute oxygen to other tissues and cells in the body. Hematocrit refers to the amount of your blood that is occupied by red blood cells. It's like chocolate milk: how much of it is chocolate and how much of it is milk? For men, the hematocrit should be between 40% and 52%; for women, it should be between 35% and 46%. A low hemoglobin number or hematocrit percentage are good indicators of anemia.

Hemoglobin (HGB)

Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes, which include T-cells, B-cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, should account for between 15% and 49% of the total white blood cell count. Viral infections, such as HIV, can either increase or decrease the total percentage of lymphocytes. Multiplying the percentage of lymphocytes by the total number of white blood cells will give the "absolute" number of these types of cells.

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH)

This test measures the amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells. Both hemoglobin and hematocrit are used to calculate this number. Low levels indicate anemia.

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)

This test measures the amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells. Both hemoglobin and hematocrit are used to calculate this number. Low levels indicate anemia.

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)

This test actually measures the size of red blood cells. Larger red blood cells may indicate anemia due to vitamin B6 or folic acid deficiency; smaller red blood cells may indicate anemia due to iron deficiency.

Mean Platelet Volume (MPV)

This test measures the average volume (size) of your platelets. A higher-than-normal MPV has been shown to be associated with a greater risk of heart attacks and stroke.

Monocytes

Monocytes are a type of phagocyte. These mature into macrophages, important germ eating cells. A low number can put you at a higher risk of getting sick from an infection, particularly those caused by bacteria. Multiplying the percentage of monocytes by the total number of white blood cells will give the "absolute" number of these types of cells.

Neutrophils

Neutrophils should account for anywhere between 38% and 80% of the white blood cell count. The percentage is often increased during a bacterial infection; a low number can put you at a greater risk of experiencing sickness from a bacterial infection. Multiplying the percentage of neutrophils by the total number of white blood cells will give the "absolute" number of these types of cells.

Platelets

Platelets are tiny cells produced by the bone marrow to help your blood clot in the event of a cut or scrape. A high number might be seen in people with cancer, a blood disease, or rheumatoid arthritis. A decreased platelet count is called thrombocytopenia. There are a number of possible causes of thrombocytopenia, including a disorder of the immune system that causes antibodies produced by the spleen to kill platelets (idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura, or ITP). This can be problematic and often warrants immediate medical care. Some chemotherapy drugs affect the ability to make adequate platelets, causing the inability to clot cuts, heal bruises, or even prevent bloody noses. Platelet transfusions are common when patients are receiving chemotherapy.

Polys

See Segs

Red Blood Cells (RBC)

Red blood cells, sometimes referred to as erythrocytes, are responsible for delivering oxygen throughout the body. There are lots of them in a single milliliter of blood – between 3.6 to 6.1 million. A low red blood cell count can indicate anemia, which can lead to fatigue.

Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)

Red blood cells can come in different sizes. RDW looks at the range of these sizes in a blood sample. If anemia is suspected, based on other blood counts, RDW test results are often used together with MCV results to figure out what the cause of the anemia might be.

Segs

Also called polys. Segs and bands are immature neutrophils which eventually become white blood cells which fight infection. This is a key to the ANC formula that allows you to calculate how susceptible you are to infection.

White Blood Cells (WBC)

White blood cells, sometimes referred to as leukocytes in medical literature, are produced by the immune system to help defend the body against infection. They are formed in the bone marrow and either enter the blood or migrate to key organs, such as the spleen, lymph nodes, or gut. There are several different types of white blood cells (see "differential" below). A high white blood cell count likely indicates that an infection is present somewhere in the body, whereas a low number might indicate that an infection or disease – such as Leukemia or HIV – has slowed the ability of the bone marrow to produce new WBCs.