test Details

Cancer, Autoimmune diseases, Leukemia, Tuberculosis, Infectious Mononucleosis, HIV

Lymphocytes (white blood cells) are one of the primary immune cells of the body. The cells are made in the bone marrow and found in the lymph tissue and blood. The immune system has a complex network of cells which is known as immune cells. These cells work together to defend the foreign substances like viruses, bacteria and cancer cells that threaten the functioning of the body.

There are two different categories of lymphocytes - B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes. They are usually referred to as B cells and T cells. Both of these lymphocytes originate from stem cells in the bone marrow. The cells that travel to the thymus become T cells and the cells that remain in the bone marrow are called B cells.

The B cells make antibodies from the proteins produced by the immune system to fight foreign substances known as antigens. Each B cell has to make a specific antibody. Also, each antibody matches the antigen specifically, like a key matches a lock. When this happens, the antigen is destroyed completely.

The T cells help the body kill cancer cells. It further controls the immune response to foreign substances. This is done by destroying the cells in the body that are taken over by viruses that can become cancerous.

There is a third type of lymphocyte as well. It is known as NK or a natural killer cell. It comes from the same place as B and T cells. NK cells respond promptly to a lot of foreign substances. They also specialise in killing virus-infected cells and cancer cells.

Lymphocytes are essential for the body and any abnormality in the same can cause problems. Thus, the Absolute Lymphocyte count test determines the level of white blood cells in the body. Your doctor will ask you to take this test if he suspects that you are suffering from an infection or a disease. Some of the symptoms that can prompt your doctor to prescribe an absolute lymphocyte count test are chills, fever, body pain, headaches and low energy levels.

However, it is important to remember that the absolute lymphocyte count test is not done separately. It is usually performed as a part of the complete blood count test. Such a test is known as the blood differential test as it gives an estimate regarding the blood components, like white blood cells.

If the absolute lymphocyte count test results show more lymphocyte levels than the normal range, then there is nothing to worry about in temporary cases. It is often a response of your body to an infection or an inflammatory condition. However, high levels of lymphocytes can be a sign of lymphocytosis. It is associated with chronic illnesses, cancer and even autoimmune diseases.

Sometimes, the absolute lymphocyte count test results might show lower levels of lymphocytes compared to the normal range. However, this can be temporary as it can occur after a cold, stress or another infection.

But lower levels of lymphocytes can be a sign of lymphocytopenia or lymphopenia. It is associated with rare genetic disorders, nerve diseases and autoimmune diseases. It can also occur as a side effect of the medicines.

India sees lymphocyte-related diseases in a lot of people. Leukaemia is one of the common lymphocyte-related diseases here. Also, lymph-haematopoietic malignancies include 9.5% of all cancers in men and 5.5% in women of the total population in India.

Other names of Absolute Lymphocyte Count Test

• Lymphocyte Count Test
• ALC Test

What does the absolute lymphocyte count test measure and who is this measured for?

The absolute lymphocyte count test measures the number of white blood cells in the system.

Abnormal lymphocyte levels in the body are indicated if the person is experiencing the following things:

• Chills
• Fever
• Body pain
• Headache
• Low levels of energy
• Unexplained fatigue
• Weight loss
• Night sweats
• Coughing
• Chest pain
• Stomach ache
• Swelling
• Confusion

For people with such complaints amongst other tests, an absolute lymphocyte count test is prescribed by the consulting physician.

Some disease conditions for which an absolute lymphocyte profile test can be prescribed are:

• Rare inherited diseases like ataxia-telangiectasia
• Autoimmune diseases
• AIDS or other infectious diseases
• Nerve diseases like multiple sclerosis
• Blood cancers
• Inflammatory bowel disease

Following a diagnosis, once the consulting physician initiates the treatment for the condition, the doctor can prescribe the absolute lymphocyte count test every alternate month to monitor the dosage. The absolute lymphocyte count test results may help your doctor continue the same treatment or modify the dosage of ongoing medicines. The absolute lymphocyte profile test is applicable for males and females, both adults and children.

• The normal range of lymphocytes in adults should be between 1000 to 4800 lymphocytes per microliter of blood.
• The normal range of lymphocytes in children should be between 3000 to 9500 lymphocytes per microliter of blood.

Anything above or below this range is a sign of disease.

Sometimes your lymphocyte levels can be high or low temporarily and that is not a problem. However, having abnormal levels of lymphocytes permanently is a matter of concern.

• If the absolute lymphocyte count test results are high, then it is a sign of lymphocytosis.
• If the test results are low, then it is a sign of lymphocytopenia or lymphopenia.

Also, if you further get a B cell and T cell screening, you can get a clear idea of your condition.

T cell counts above the normal range can indicate:

• Cancer of white blood cells
• Tuberculosis
• Sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Infection by a parasite like toxoplasmosis
• Cancer of the blood, starting in the bone marrow

T cell counts below the normal range indicate:

• An acquired T cell deficiency disease, such as HIV, can progress to AIDS or HTLV-1
• A disease from birth
• A type of cancer

B cell count above the normal range in the absolute lymphocyte count test indicates:

• Multiple myeloma
• Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
• A type of cancer called Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
• A genetic disease, known as, DiGeorge syndrome

B cell count below the normal range indicates:

• HIV or another disease that weakens the immune system
• Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

The results of the absolute lymphocyte count test are based on the analysis of a blood sample. The entire test is carried out with a single sample.

Test Preparation

The absolute lymphocyte count test is a blood test that does not require fasting or any special preparations. The usual way to collect the blood sample is to draw it from the most prominent vein of your forearm. The procedure lasts for 5 minutes and you might feel a little lightheaded after that. However, you will be able to resume your daily activities almost immediately.

Absolute lymphocyte count test inclusions: What are the parameters included?

The absolute lymphocyte count test measures the levels of lymphocytes in the blood and immune system. The results of the absolute lymphocyte count test give an idea about the functioning of the immune system of the body. Abnormal levels will also indicate chronic illnesses and different conditions in the body.

The result of the absolute lymphocyte count profile is not expressed as positive or negative. If the value is on the higher or lower side, it indicates a disorder in the body.

How frequently should you take an absolute lymphocyte count test?

A random absolute lymphocyte count test can detect abnormal lymphocyte levels in the blood. If the results of the absolute lymphocyte count test confirm a diagnosis, appropriate medication should be taken. The test needs to be repeated monthly or after every three months, based on the medication and condition. The absolute lymphocyte count profile will help the doctor to measure the effectiveness of the ongoing treatment. The test can be done annually with the blood count test if the previous test results are normal.