Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) Support Group

Megan-

Thank you for helping me see past my own little world....here's the counts used by our ONC:

ANC = absolute neutrophil count. In general, an ANC of 1800 means neutropenic. The number is white blood cells X 10, then multiplied by the number of neutrophils in the white blood.

When we have an ANC of 1500 and are in the hospital, precautions are used (special diet, masks, etc); an ANC of 500 at home means precautions (no public places, no fresh fruits / veggies, etc).

WBC ranges: 4.5 - 10.0
Platelet range, normal: 150 - 450 K

How are your numbers calculated, or do you even use numbers?

Thinking of you, and that sweet face of Libby.

Renee

Hi Megan,

Renee put it very well and our counts/protocol vary just a little from what Renee posted.

Normal ranges

WBC = 4/8-11.8 bil/L
ANC = 1500-8300bil/L
HGB = 11.5-13.5g/dL
PLTS = 140-340bil/L

ANC= "Looks at more than the WBC’s . We actually look at the differential on the CBC and calculate the ANC (absolute neutrophil count). By doing this we are able to look at the precursors of the WBC’s. These are the "baby WBC’s" or immature blood cells. These are found in the patient’s bone marrow. This number will give us a more accurate measurement of a patient’s risk for infection."

So if Julian's ANC is:

We don't do ANC
We look at
WBC 5.0-12.0
RBC 4.0-5.0
HGB 110-140
PLT 150-400
Neutrophils 1.50- 8.5

For HGB they transfuse anything under 70 and PLT they transfuse under 10.

Thanks for Sharing your values with me.

Oh and neutrophils under 1.5 she is considered neutropenic and we have to take precautions.

Ok all i know is Coltons immune system is at 100 they want it to be at least 1000.
I have a question , why cant they have fresh fruits and veggies ?
Marianne

We are treated at Sparrow, in Lansing, Michigan.

The 'neutropenic' diet, or 'pediatric protect' diet does not contain unpeeled, fresh vegetables or fruit. ONLY if you can peel a fruit / vegetable and double wash it (i.e. cucumber, apple, banana, orange) can we include it in the menu. We can cook any fruit or veggie and have them.

Hope this helps, Renee

PS. I am so interested in the varied 'neutropenic' definitions...I sit with a calculator to determine Evan's ANC (or immune counts). take care! Renee