Absolute neutrophil count reference ranges (adults and children)
Reference ranges vary by laboratory method and patient population. Commonly used clinical cut points define “normal” as values that are not in the neutropenia range for age. [1], [2]
Adults
A typical adult ANC range is approximately 2500 to 7000 neutrophils/µL (2.5 to 7.0 × 10^9/L). [3]
An ANC below 1500/µL (1.5 × 10^9/L) is used to define neutropenia in adults. [2]
Children older than 1 year
An ANC below 1500/µL (1.5 × 10^9/L) is used to define neutropenia in children older than 1 year. [2]
Infants (younger than 1 year)
An ANC below 1000/µL (1.0 × 10^9/L) is used to define neutropenia in infants. [2]
Neonates (term/near-term, 72–240 hours after delivery)
For term or near-term neonates at 72–240 hours following delivery, an ANC level of 2.5 × 10^9/L is used as a cutoff to define neutropenia in pediatric references. [4]
Interpretation cautions
ANC lower limits used to define neutropenia vary by age group and are not identical to laboratory “normal ranges.” [2]
ANC distributions vary across populations, so “normal” should be interpreted using the local laboratory reference interval when available. [3]
Source ranges commonly used in practice
Clinically used age-based lower limits are:
- Adults and children older than 1 year: 1500/µL (1.5 × 10^9/L). [2]
- Infants younger than 1 year: 1000/µL (1.0 × 10^9/L). [2]
Clinically used age-based neonatal cutoff is:
- Term/near-term neonates at 72–240 hours after delivery: 2.5 × 10^9/L. [4]