What is Absolute Lymphocyte Count, Blood Test?

• This test measures the number of lymphocytes in the blood. Lymphocytes are a kind of white blood cells that play a vital role in the immune system; they protect the body from infection and disease.

• The ALC is often used to help diagnose and monitor conditions that affect the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS, certain types of cancer, and autoimmune diseases. It can also be used to evaluate a person's overall health and to detect infections or other medical conditions.

• A small amount of blood is taken from a vein, usually in the arm. The blood is then sent for laboratory analysis, where it is analyzed to determine the number of lymphocytes. The results are typically reported as the number of lymphocytes per microliter (µL) of blood.

• Normal ALC values can vary depending on a person's age, sex, and overall health. However, in general, a normal ALC is usually between 1,000 and 4,800 lymphocytes per µL of blood in adults, and between 3,000 and 9,500 lymphocytes per µL of blood in children.

• Low ALC values can indicate a weakened immune system, which may be due to conditions such as HIV/AIDS, certain types of cancer, autoimmune diseases, or the use of certain medications. High ALC values can indicate an active infection, certain types of cancer, or an immune system disorder.

The Absolute Lymphocyte Count (ALC) in the blood is often required in various medical scenarios. These include:

• Diagnosis of Infections: ALC is an important marker for diagnosing viral, bacterial, or other types of infections. A high ALC often indicates an ongoing infection.

• Monitoring Immune System Health: Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that have a crucial role in the immune response. The ALC can provide useful information about the body's immune status, particularly in patients with conditions such as HIV/AIDS.

• Assessing Response to Treatment: In patients receiving treatment for certain conditions (such as cancer), the ALC can be used to determine how effectively the therapy is working. A rising ALC might indicate a positive response to treatment.

• Evaluating Risk of Infection: In patients who have undergone organ transplant, the ALC is often monitored to evaluate the risk of infection or graft rejection.

The Absolute Lymphocyte Count is typically required by:

• People With Suspected Infections: If a healthcare provider suspects that a patient has an infection, they may order an ALC. This test can assess the infection severity and guide treatment decisions.

• Patients With Immune Disorders: Individuals with immune disorders, such as HIV/AIDS or lupus, often require regular ALC tests to monitor their immune system's health.

• Cancer Patients: For patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, an ALC test can help monitor their response to treatment and assess their risk for infection.

• Transplant Recipients: After an organ transplant, patients may need regular ALC tests to monitor for signs of infection or graft rejection.

In an Absolute Lymphocyte Count, the following are typically measured:

• Total Lymphocyte Count: This is the total number of lymphocytes in the blood. It is typically expressed as cells per microliter (cells/µL).

• Percentage of Lymphocytes: This is the percentage of white blood cells that are lymphocytes. It is typically expressed as a percentage (%).

• Types of Lymphocytes: There are several types of lymphocytes, including T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. The ALC may measure the count or percentage of each type.

• The Absolute Lymphocyte Count (ALC) is a part of the full blood count, which is a comprehensive blood test.

• The ALC measures the number of lymphocytes in your blood. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that plays a significant role in the body's immune system.

• The ALC is reckoned by multiplying the total number of white blood cells with the percentage of lymphocytes observed in the differential white blood cell count.

• The count is measured in cells per microliter (µL) of blood, with the normal range generally falling between 1,000 and 4,800 cells/µL in adults.

• An abnormally high or low ALC can indicate a variety of conditions, including infections, blood cancers, and immune disorders.

• Preparation for an ALC test is straightforward. No special preparation is typically required.

• It is crucial to let the doctor know about the medicines you are taking because some can affect the test results.

• Your healthcare provider will guide you if you need to stop taking any medicines before the test.

• Blood is draws from a vein, usually in your arm. The discomfort is minimal and lasts only a few seconds.

• During an ALC test, the lab technician will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a needle.

• The area where the needle is inserted is cleaned using an antiseptic to reduce the infection risk.

• A tourniquet is tied around your arm to make the veins more visible.

• After the blood draw, the sample is transported to a laboratory where it is analyzed under a microscope.

• The lab professional will count the number of each type of white blood cell, including lymphocytes, and calculate your ALC.

• The results are then sent back to your doctor, who will discuss them with you.

• The normal range for lymphocytes typically falls between 1.0 to 4.8 x 10^9 cells per liter (1.00 to 4.80 x 10^3 cells per microliter).

• However, the normal range can slightly vary depending on the laboratory that analyzes the blood sample.

• Abnormal ALC can be caused by a variety of medical conditions. High levels of lymphocytes, known as lymphocytosis, can be caused by infections, such as mononucleosis or whooping cough, autoimmune diseases, and certain types of cancers.

• Low levels of lymphocytes, known as lymphocytopenia, can be due to severe infections, malnutrition, autoimmune disorders, and treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

• Eat healthy: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep can help maintain a strong immune system and a normal ALC.

• Avoid excessive alcohol and quit smoking: Both can weaken the immune system and may affect ALC.

• Manage stress: Chronic stress has the ability to negatively affect the immune system. Relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help manage stress levels.

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps to remove toxins from the body and keeps the immune system functioning properly.

• Post-testing, it is normal to have a small bruise or mild soreness at the puncture site. Applying a cold pack to the area can help reduce any discomfort.

• Make sure that the puncture site is clean and dry to avoid infection.

• If you experience excessive bleeding, swelling, or signs of infection (like increased warmth, redness, or pus), seek medical attention immediately.

• Discuss the results with your doctor. If your ALC is abnormal, the doctor may prescribe further testing to determine the cause and consider appropriate treatment options.

There are multiple reasons why you should choose Bajaj Finserv Health for your medical needs. These include:

• Precision: All labs associated with Bajaj Finserv Health use cutting-edge technology to ensure the highest level of accuracy in results.

• Cost-effectiveness: We offer comprehensive individual Diagnostic tests and services that are reasonably priced and won't strain your budget.

• Home-based sample collection: Enjoy the convenience of having your samples collected from your home at a time that suits you.

• Nationwide availability: Our medical test services are accessible regardless of your location in the country.

• Flexible payment options: Pay the way you prefer, be it cash or digital, we have it all covered.