Severe agranulocytosis is defined by an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) below which range?

Severe agranulocytosis is defined by an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) below which range?

• A. 1.0-1.5 x10^9
• B. 0.8-1.2 x10^9
• C. <0.2-0.5 x10^9
• D. >2.0 x10^9

Answer: (C)

Understanding neutropenia severity is key. The absolute neutrophil count (ANC) normal range is roughly 2.0 to 7.5 x10^9/L. When the ANC falls into the very low hundreds of millions, infection risk rises sharply. Severe neutropenia, often called agranulocytosis, is defined as an ANC below about 0.5 x10^9/L, with more extreme drops (often below 0.2 x10^9/L) indicating a more severe state. Therefore, the range that defines severe agranulocytosis is below approximately 0.2–0.5 x10^9/L. The other options reflect higher counts (not agranulocytosis) or neutrophilia, which is the opposite situation.

Understanding neutropenia severity is key. The absolute neutrophil count (ANC) normal range is roughly 2.0 to 7.5 x10^9/L. When the ANC falls into the very low hundreds of millions, infection risk rises sharply. Severe neutropenia, often called agranulocytosis, is defined as an ANC below about 0.5 x10^9/L, with more extreme drops (often below 0.2 x10^9/L) indicating a more severe state. Therefore, the range that defines severe agranulocytosis is below approximately 0.2–0.5 x10^9/L. The other options reflect higher counts (not agranulocytosis) or neutrophilia, which is the opposite situation.