What Causes ANC Level To Be Slightly Low During An Annual Exam?

Posted on Mon, 9 Apr 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 9 Apr 2018 Answered on

Thu, 7 Sep 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi I recently had a annual physical and everything was normal and within range except my ANC was slightly low, 1.59 (normal was over 1.6) and WBC slightly 3.7 normal was 4.0. Is this if any concern? My vitiamin D was 21 (low but in normal range) I am a healthy female, with no symptoms, feel good.

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Vitamin D insufficiency

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Your levels are slightly below normal and can be caused by various causes. However, it is probably caused by the low level of vitamin D as it is recommended to keep the level of the level of vitamin D between 25 and 30.

I would recommend that you take vitamin D3 supplements until the next follow up test to see if the levels of ANC and WBCs will be corrected by raising the vitamin d levels or not.

I hope you find this helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Salah Saad Shoman
Internal Medicine Specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. salah saad shoman (55 minutes later)

Thanks, I started taking them yesterday and have been told to get in the sun for five minutes every morning. One last question, how long does it take for ANC and WNC count to go up? She told me to wait three months before I get retested. Can’t I just do it in a month?

Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (26 hours later)

Brief Answer:
At least two months

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

It usually takes a couple of months for the level of vitamin D to be corrected this means that subsequent correction of WBC and ANC will also occur after an average period of two months. I would not recommend that you repeat the test after one month.

I hope you find this helpful.

Regards,
Dr. Salah Saad Shoman
Internal Medicine Specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T