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Total Leucocyte Count

Also known as White Blood Cell (WBC) count

₹139~~₹170~~ 18% Off

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation required

Understanding Total Leucocyte Count

What is Total Leucocyte Count?

Total Leukocyte Count (TLC) test measures the total number of all the leukocytes in the blood. Leukocytes are white-colored blood cells that defend our bodies against infections and diseases. This test helps determine the body’s capacity to fight diseases.
It is performed to diagnose infections and inflammation, monitor chemotherapy treatment, and diagnose bone marrow disorders.
A decrease in the TLC count is referred to as leukopenia, and it will decline the body’s ability to fight infections. An increase in TLC, known as leukocytosis, indicates acute infections and inflammation. It is followed up with other tests to determine the exact cause of the abnormal results.

What is Total Leucocyte Count used for?

The Total Leukocyte Count Test is performed:

· As a part of Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test in regular health checkups

· To help diagnose infections and inflammation

· To help diagnose conditions that decrease WBC count like bone marrow disorders

· To monitor bone marrow function

· To monitor chemotherapy treatment

What does Total Leucocyte Count measure?

Blood is made up of different types of cells suspended in a fluid called plasma. These include erythrocytes or red blood cells, leukocytes or white blood cells, and platelets. Blood cells are produced by the hematopoietic cells in bone marrow and are then released into circulation. RBCs carry oxygen to the tissues, platelets help in blood clotting at a site of injury, and leukocytes form a part of the immune system of the body. WBCs are of five primary types: neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are further of three types: B-Lymphocytes, T-Lymphocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells. Neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils are collectively called granulocytes since they contain granules in cytoplasm.

Depending on various factors like age, gender, health condition, environmental factors, etc., varying amounts of different types of WBCs circulate in the blood. The bone marrow increases the production of WBCs in response to an infection or inflammation anywhere in the body. These WBCs are called to the site by a series of chemical signals, where they work to treat the condition. During this time, the total leukocyte count remains high in blood. Once the infection or inflammation subsides, WBC production by bone marrow decreases and WBC count in circulation falls back to normal levels. A continuously elevated WBC count may thus be an indication of a chronic condition that is not resolving naturally and might need urgent attention.

Apart from an infection or inflammation, WBC count in blood can also be affected by other conditions like disorders of the immune system, autoimmune conditions, cancer, etc. WBC count may be higher or lower than normal in these cases.

WBC count test serves as an indication of a condition affecting the body. Further tests are performed to confirm a particular condition and direct treatment.

Interpreting Total Leucocyte Count results

Interpretations

Normal range (Approx.):

· Newborns: 9,000 to 30,000/mm3

· Children below 2 years age: 6,200 to 17,000/ mm3

· Children over 2 years age and adults: 5,000 to 10,000/ mm3

Note: Normal range of leukocyte count depends on a number of factors apart from age, including gender, health condition, previous instance of diseases, vaccinations, etc. The range also varies slightly between different laboratories performing the test.

Higher than the normal leukocyte count indicates an infection or inflammation being treated by the body.

Lower than the normal leukocyte count indicates improper functioning of the immune system.

Leucocyte Count Test is to be followed up with other tests to determine the exact cause of the abnormal results, if any.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Total Leucocyte Count

Frequently Asked Questions about Total Leucocyte Count

Q. Is there any preparation required before the Leukocyte Count Test?

Inform the doctor about any medications you may be taking. No other preparations are required unless specified by your doctor.

Q. What other tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case the results of Leucocyte Count Test is not normal?

Other tests that may be prescribed upon appearance of an abnormal result in the Leucocyte Count Test include: · Differential White Blood Cell Count Test · Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test · Neutrophil Test: Neutrophils are the leukocytes that are present in the highest amount in circulation and confer protection against a wide range of infections. Neutrophil Test measures the amount of neutrophils present in the blood to determine neutropenia (low neutrophil count; indicates greater susceptibility to infections) · Blood Smear Test · Bacterial and Viral Cultures · Tests for inflammation (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, C-Reactive Protein, etc.) · Tests for autoimmune diseases (antinuclear antibody) · Allergy tests · Imaging tests (CT Scan, MRI, etc.) · Biopsy

Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Q. What is Leukocytosis?

Leukocytosis is a condition where the leukocyte count is higher than the normal range. This may occur due to: · Infections · Inflammation or inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, allergies · Cancers like leukemia, myeloproliferative neoplasms · Conditions causing necrosis (tissue death) like severe burns, trauma, surgery, etc. · Cigarette smoking · Surgical removal of spleen · Allergy · Very heavy physical exercise · Pregnancy · Certain drugs like corticosteroids, epinephrine, heparin, lithium, etc.

Q. What is Leukopenia?

Leukopenia is the condition where leukocyte count is lower than the normal range. This may occur due to: · Damage to the bone marrow due to toxins, radiotherapy, chemotherapy · Bone marrow diseases that reduce leukocyte production like myelodysplastic syndrome, deficiency of vitamin B12 or folate · Lymphoma · Cancer that has metastasized (spread) to the bone marrow · Autoimmune conditions affecting WBCs like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) · Malnutrition · Liver or spleen diseases · Large scale or severe infections like sepsis · Immune system diseases like AIDS · Certain drugs like antibiotics, anticonvulsants, captopril, chemotherapy drugs, etc.

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