Absolute neutrophils refer to the total number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, present in a specific volume of blood. They play a crucial role in the immune system by defending the body against infections, particularly bacterial infections. The absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is an important clinical measure used to assess a person's immune status, particularly in conditions like infections, bone marrow disorders, or during chemotherapy. An abnormal ANC can indicate various health issues, including neutropenia (low count) or neutrophilia (high count).