IANC stands for Instrument Absolute Neutrophil Count. This is important in clinical settings to determine the number of neutrophils in a patient's blood.
Understanding IANC
The term IANC appears in the context of hematology, specifically when discussing blood counts and differentials. It represents the neutrophil count obtained from an automated instrument.
Key Considerations:
- Automated vs. Manual: The reference highlights a potential discrepancy between the IANC (from automated instruments) and the ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count) derived from manual differentials. This underscores the importance of understanding the source and potential variability in these measurements.
- Neutrophil Count Significance: Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infection. The absolute neutrophil count is a key indicator of immune function.
- Timeliness: The reference also notes that IANC is typically available more quickly than manual differential results.
In summary, IANC is a rapid and automated assessment of a patient's neutrophil levels, crucial for diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions.
