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Duffy-null Associated Neutrophil Count (DANC)

Duffy-null Associated Neutrophil Count (DANC)

The Duffy blood group system is one of many that are used to classify blood types. People with the Duffy-null blood type often have a lower absolute neutrophil count (ANC) than most other people. This is called Duffy null-associated neutrophil count (DANC).

Individuals with the Duffy-null phenotype have no increased risk of infection but are often incorrectly labeled as having neutropenia. This can result in unnecessary, expensive, and invasive testing, delayed or discontinued chemotherapy or other critical medications, exclusion from clinical trials, and other negative consequences.

Through a multifaceted approach, ASH aims to improve the quality of care for individuals with DANC.

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View the Project to Redefine Reference Ranges


Educational Resources

This educational program aims to improve awareness and understanding of Duffy null-associated neutrophil count (DANC), a common and under-recognized source of health inequality worldwide. Through patient case studies, it will explain how to distinguish DANC from pathological neutropenia, and guide learners through its genetic basis and possible mechanisms. The program will also review the challenges that people with DANC may encounter and how to mitigate them. View the full course on ASH Academy On Demand or access the individual resources below.

 

DANC Diagnosis: Printable Resources

DANC Diagnosis: Interactive Learning


Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) by Duffy Status Project

ASH is at the forefront of addressing a critical health equity concern through its groundbreaking initiative - the Reconsideration of Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) Reference Ranges by Duffy Status. The initiative is funded by a grant from the Doris Duke Foundation and seeks to ensure that all individuals, especially those with Duffy-null Associated Neutrophil Count (DANC), receive optimal care by redefining ANC reference ranges based on Duffy status.

View the Project Details

Speakers give a presentation about DANC at the ASH annual meeting.

Absolute Neutrophil Count by Duffy Status Among Healthy Black and African American Adults

Approximately two of three people identifying as Black in the U.S. are expected to have the Duffy-null phenotype. Of note, race and ethnicity are not biological facts but sociopolitical constructs. Genetic traits do not obey racial boundaries or geographic constructs, so using them as proxies requires extreme caution. While the Duffy-null phenotype is not exclusive to African or Arabian Peninsula genetic ancestry, it is most commonly found among these populations.

Explore the latest publication in Blood Advances 


Additional Resources

Key Publications

Additional Publications and Resources

Presentations

Terms and Definitions

Questions

If you have questions or require additional information regarding DANC or the ANC by Duffy Status project, please contact [email protected].