Total Leucocytes / WBC Count (TLC) Test
Booked 28 timesAlso known as:
white blood cell count, TLC test, WBC count
Blood
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Edta
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Overview
The Total Leucocyte (WBC) Count is a test that measures the amount of white blood cells present in the body. This test is part of the complete blood count (CBC). It is generally used to detect different infections or conditions that may affect general health.
White blood cells (leukocytes) play an essential role in the body's immune system. These cells fight infection by attacking alien or foreign bacteria, viruses and germs that invade the body.
An increase or decrease in the number of WBCs can help diagnose many medical conditions, such as infections, autoimmune diseases, immune deficiencies and blood disorders, etc. The Total Leucocyte (WBC) Count also helps doctors monitor the progress of the patient undergoing chemotherapy, radiation treatment and other therapies given to cancer patients.
There can be a substantial range variation in the Total Leucocyte (WBC) Count in the following groups of people:
- Pregnant women
- Newborns
- Children smaller than 2 years of age
Other Names of Total Leucocytes (WBC) Count Test?
- Total leucocyte count
- white blood cell count
- Total and differential leucocyte count
- Total white blood cell count
- TLC test
What does the test detect/measure, and why is this prescribed?
The Total Leukocyte Test measures the total amount of all the different types of white blood cells present in the blood. The doctor may advise this test if someone exhibits symptoms of any infection/disease/disorder. It may be prescribed as a routine test.
The symptoms of a low leukocyte can be:
- Body pain
- Fever with chills
- Unexplained headaches
- Frequent sickness
High leukocyte levels don't usually cause symptoms, but the underlying conditions causing the high levels may generate their own set of symptoms.
Sample Type
The Total Leucocyte (WBC) Count Test requires a blood sample.
Test preparation
The Total Leucocyte Test preparation does not include fasting. It is important to inform the doctor about all medicines, supplements and therapies the patient may be undertaking to avoid inaccuracy in results.
Test inclusions: What parameters are included?
The Total Leucocyte (WBC) Count includes a single parameter:
Level of white blood cells in the blood
Ranges
A normal white blood cell count usually indicates that all is well with the immune system and it is functioning as normal. The normal range for WBC levels is between 4,000 and 11,000cells/mm³
Age | Range |
Children | 5000-10000 cells/mm³ |
Adult women | 4500-11000cells/mm³ |
Adult men | 5,000-10,000cells/mm³ |
These ranges may differ slightly for pregnant women, infants and children below 2 years.
The normal values and reference range of tests may vary from lab to lab. Please consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of your lab reports.
Test Result Interpretation
Total Leucocyte (WBC) Count Test results are not considered normal when they are either higher or lower than the normal range as per the patient’s age.
A low/high leukocyte count can indicate a blood disorder or any other medical condition. To identify the exact cause of a high or low Leukocyte count, the physician will take several factors into consideration:
- Current medications
- Symptoms
- Medical history.
Low white blood cell count
Leukopenia is the term used to denote a low WBC count. This can be caused by:
- HIV infection/AIDS
- Autoimmune diseases(e.g., lupus)
- Bone marrow trauma/diseases
- Lymphatic cancer
- Severe infections like malaria
- Enlarged spleen
- Liver disorders
- Radiation therapy for cancer treatment
- Medications such as chemotherapy and antibiotics
- Alcoholism
High white blood cell count
Leukocytosis is the term used to denote a high WBC count. It can be caused by:
- Bacterial Infections such as tuberculosis, sepsis or septic shock
- Fever
- Injuries or burns
- Pregnancy
- Seasonal allergies
- Asthma
- Recent vaccination
- Medications like corticosteroids, epinephrine and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs
- Stress
- Tissue trauma/damage
- Acute hemolysis
- Haemorrhage or bleeding
- Heart attack
- Surgery
An increased white blood cell level may be chronic in cases of
- Smokers
- Bone marrow tumour
- Cancers like Leukaemia, Myeloproliferative neoplasm
- Inflammatory conditions like arthritis and bowel disease
- Obesity
- Inflammation of the blood vessels
WBC count tests serve as an indicator of conditions affecting the body. The doctor may prescribe additional tests to diagnose the exact cause of abnormal white blood cell count and necessary direct treatment.
Risk Assessment
Infections, Autoimmune disorders, Hereditary disorders, Leukaemia and several other medical conditions
Price/Cost
A TLC test can have varying costs depending on the city and the laboratory. Typically, the price for a TLC test falls between INR 129 and INR 219. Here's a breakdown of the average charges for a TLC test in select major cities in India:
City | Min Price | Average Price | Max Price |
TLC Test Price in Bengaluru | 129 | 174 | 219 |
TLC Test Price in Chennai | 129 | 174 | 219 |
TLC Test Price in Delhi | 129 | 174 | 219 |
TLC Test Price in Hyderabad | 129 | 174 | 219 |
TLC Test Price in Kolkata | 129 | 174 | 219 |
TLC Test Price in Lucknow | 129 | 174 | 219 |
TLC Test Price in Mumbai | 129 | 174 | 219 |
TLC Test Price in Nagpur | 129 | 174 | 219 |
TLC Test Price in Patna | 129 | 174 | 219 |
TLC Test Price in Pune | 129 | 174 | 219 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which medications can interfere with my WBC count?
Medicines that may affect your Total Leukocyte Test results include: Corticosteroids Quinidine Heparin (blood thinner) Clozapine Antibiotics Antihistamines Diuretics (water pills) Anticonvulsants Sulfonamides Chemotherapy medication You will have to give a complete medical history to your doctor along with all information about the medication you take.
What complications can blood tests have?
Taking a blood sample from people with small veins can sometimes be challenging. For example, the laboratory technician may find it difficult to locate a vein the first time. If the needle is inside the arm or hand, they may need to move the needle to draw blood. This may cause sharp pain or a stinging sensation to some people. There are some rare complications of taking a blood test: Infection at the needle site Excess bleeding Lightheadedness or fainting Nausea or vomiting (in cases where you need to fast to give the blood sample) Bleeding under the skin's epidermal layer (hematoma)
What is the average lifespan of WBCs?
The lifespan of white blood cells can range from 13 to 20 days, after which they are destroyed in the lymphatic system.
How are WBCs formed?
White blood cells are made from cells that can replicate or morph into other cells in the body. These cells are called stem cells and are found within the soft tissue of your bones (bone marrow).
How to improve WBC and immunity from a diet?
The following foods may help keep you in good health and maintain immunity. Omega 3 fatty acids- Chia seeds, Flax seeds, Fish oil, Oysters, Spinach, Salmon Green tea Garlic Fruits rich in vitamin A and C: Papaya, Kiwis, Strawberries, Orange, Carrot, Pumpkin, Squash, Sweet potatoes, Mangoes, Bananas Nuts and dry fruits Brazil nuts Lentils Yoghurt Milk Peas Foods rich in zinc like chicken, clans, cereal and beans
How frequently should you take the Total Leucocyte (WBC) Count Test?
The Total Leucocyte Count Test is done to diagnose various health conditions and repeated (frequency as advised by physician) to monitor treatment progress with various infections and diseases. The doctor decides the frequency of Total Leucocyte (WBC) Count depending on the patient's health status. The Total Leucocyte Test is also advised as a part of a complete blood test (CBC)in regular health checkups.
What is the price of a TLC test?
The TLC Test price can vary, typically ranging from Rs 129 to Rs 219, depending on your location, the diagnostic lab you opt for and potential discounts.