What is Duffy-Null Associated Neutrophil Count?
Duffy-null Associated Neutrophil Count, formerly known as benign ethnic neutropenia, is a normal state in which the number of neutrophils in a blood sample is lower than the usual range used by the laboratory. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that gets rid of bacteria. They help the body fight infection.
Duffy-null Associated Neutrophil Count (also known as DANC) is not a disease or condition. It is a normal variation in how the body controls the neutrophil count. Because this is a normal change, people with Duffy-null Associated Neutrophil Count do not have an increased risk of infection.
Duffy-null Associated Neutrophil Count is a problem caused by trying to use one “normal range” for everybody, even though people are different. Some people have lower neutrophil counts. Some people have higher neutrophil counts.
Causes of Duffy-Null Associated Neutrophil Count
Duffy-null Associated Neutrophil Count is caused by a genetic difference in the ACKR1 gene. This genetic change happens so that the person is protected against the parasite that causes malaria. Malaria is more widespread in African and Middle Eastern countries. This is where the Duffy-null genetic change is more common. Two out of three people of African or Middle Eastern ancestry in the United States have Duffy-null.
Diagnosis of Duffy-Null Associated Neutrophil Count
Duffy-null Associated Neutrophil Count is diagnosed when the neutrophil count is regularly lower than 1500 cells/uL. Neutrophil count can be higher during fevers or infections. This is a normal thing. Your doctor can make the diagnosis of Duffy-null Associated Neutrophil Count after checking for other causes of neutropenia (having low levels of neutrophils).
Duffy-null Associated Neutrophil Count is determined by:
- A blood test to measure the neutrophil count, called a CBC (complete blood count).
- A blood smear (a test that looks at the blood cells under a microscope).
- A genetic test to detect the normal variation (change) in the ACKR1 gene.
- Or a special blood typing test to confirm Duffy-null blood type (which is also a normal blood type)
Symptoms of Duffy-Null Associated Neutrophil Count
There are no symptoms or complications related to having Duffy-null Associated Neutrophil Count. If people with Duffy-null Associated Neutrophil Count have any medical problems, their doctors should look for causes other than Duffy-null Associated Neutrophil Count.
Treatment of Duffy-Null Associated Neutrophil Count
Duffy-null Associated Neutrophil Count is not a disease. Treatment is not needed.
Prognosis
Having Duffy-null Associated Neutrophil Count does not put a person at greater risk for infections or health problems. People with Duffy-null Associated Neutrophil Count can lead normal, healthy lives.
Special Instructions
It is important to tell your doctors about your Duffy-null Associated Neutrophil Count. Your blood test results will show a neutrophil count that is lower than the normal range for lab results. Sometimes this is incorrectly diagnosed as neutropenia. This confusion can result in you getting tests that are not necessary. It may also cause your doctor not to prescribe you certain medications. It may be helpful to keep a copy of your Duffy-null Associated Neutrophil Count confirmation test to share it with your doctors if needed.
