test Details

Anaemia, Leukemia, Autoimmune diseases, Bacterial infections, Cancer

A WBC-DC test measures the amount of each white blood cell present in the body. Also known as leukocytes, white blood cells are a vital part of the immune system. In total, there are five different types of white blood cells.

• Neutrophils: These are the most common type of white blood cells found in the body. By reaching the site of the infection and releasing special enzymes, these cells fight off bacteria and viruses.
• Lymphocytes: These cells are mainly of two kinds. They include T cells and B cells. While T cells destroy the body’s own harmful cells causing bacteria, B cells target toxins, bacteria, and viruses.
• Basophils: These are responsible for controlling asthma attacks and allergic reactions by releasing enzymes.
• Eosinophils: They help fight inflammation and infections. In addition to that, these cells also target parasites.
• Monocytes: By removing dead cells from the body, monocytes help build immunity.

A WBC-DC test is used to diagnose various medical conditions. Some of them include infections, cancer, leukaemia, and inflammatory diseases. In most cases, this test is a routine test to understand the overall health of the body.

The white blood cells are checked for whenever there is an immune system disorder, infection, or abnormality in the body. Unlike many other tests, a WBC-DC test doesn’t require any fasting.

Some of the symptoms for prescribing a WBC-DC test are weakness, tiredness, and unexplained bruising. While one may experience slight bruising when the needle gets inserted, the test overall is painless and quick. This test also allows medical professionals to keep track of an individual’s existing blood condition.

In India, the prevalence of anaemia is over 51%. A majority of these individuals have elevated WBC levels. The impact of the disease is more on children and pregnant women in the country. Therefore, such tests are essential to keep track of health.

Other names of the WBC-DC test

• DC test
• White Blood Cells and Differential
• Differential Blood Test

What does the WBC-DC test measure/detect, and who is it for?

The WBC-DC test measures the amount of different white blood cells present in the body. These include neutrophils, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils. Each of these plays a vital role in the proper functioning of the immune system.

All these WBCs have a normal and abnormal range. If they are within the normal range, there is no cause for concern. However, if they are in the abnormal range, then doctors will recommend personalised treatment.

A WBC-DC test often gets prescribed by a doctor to confirm a diagnosis. Some of the symptoms due to which a WBC-DC test can be prescribed include:

• Chills
• Fever
• Body ache
• Uncontrollable bone pain
• Headache
• Weakness
• Tiredness
• Unexplained bruising

In addition to confirming a diagnosis, doctors also prescribe a WBC-DC test to keep track of an existing blood disorder. This test can also be a part of a routine checkup and get paired with other tests. It is a potent way to monitor the overall health of an individual.

Following a diagnosis, a series of other tests can be prescribed to the individuals. A second WBC-DC test can also be prescribed after two weeks. The WBC-DC test applies to both males and females of all age groups.

High levels of stress and intense exercise can affect your white blood cell counts.

An abnormal increase in one kind of blood cell can lead to a decrease in another type. Normal results also depend upon the age, gender, and blood type of an individual.

The parameters of a WBC-DC test are the different kinds of WBCs present in the body. As mentioned above, they all have a normal range. A high WBC count can indicate an infection, allergic reaction, or immune disorder.

On the contrary, a low WBC count can be due to cancer, medication reactions, or bone marrow problems. That said, abnormal results aren’t always indicative of a severe issue.

Here are the possible low and high WBC differential results for different white blood cells.

1. Neutrophils

A high neutrophils count can result from the following:

• Infection
• Gout
• Acute stress
• Trauma
• Thyroiditis

On the other hand, a low neutrophil count can be due to the following:

• Bacterial infection
• Chemotherapy
• Viral illness
• Anaemia

2. Lymphocytes

A high lymphocytes count can be caused by,

• Leukaemia
• Chronic infection
• Viral infections

On the contrary, low lymphocytes can be a result of,

• Sepsis
• Radiation exposure
• Leukaemia

3. Eosinophils

High or low eosinophils can result from a medical reaction, allergic reaction like asthma, or inflammatory disorders.

4. Monocytes

Chronic infections such as tuberculosis or fungal infection can be the reason behind an elevated monocyte count. Low monocyte results can indicate bone marrow damage or hairy cell leukaemia.

5. Basophils

Abnormal basophil count can be a result of allergic reactions or leukaemia.

If an individual’s WBC-DC test results are abnormal, the doctor might prescribe additional specific tests to figure out the precise cause.

The results of a WBC-DC test are based on the analysis of a blood sample. The sample is collected in a tube using a needle by injecting it into the arm’s vein.

Test Preparation

A WBC-DC test doesn’t require any special preparation. Unlike numerous other tests, this test doesn’t require you to fast. That said, a person must disclose their entire medical history to the doctor. It includes medications and supplements.

Following all the instructions given by the doctor is also of utmost importance. A vital aspect to remember on the day of the test is proper and comfortable clothing.

Test inclusions: What parameters are included?

A WBC-DC test includes the following parameters:

• Neutrophils
• Lymphocytes
• Monocytes
• Basophils
• Eosinophils

These parameters are the different kinds of WBCs or white blood cells present in the body. The results of the WBC-DC test show how many of each of these WBCs is present in the body. There is a standard range for each of these parameters. If they are within the range, then the results are acceptable. However, if they aren’t, it could be a cause for concern.

The WBC-DC test results also provide information about an individual’s immune system. In most cases, a higher-than-average blood cell count can indicate an infection’s presence.

How frequently should you take this test?

A random WBC-DC test is performed to determine the amount of different WBCs present in the body. It helps with the diagnosis of leukaemia, amenia, and bacterial infections, amongst other things. Depending on the result, doctors come up with a personalised treatment plan for individuals.

In order to confirm a diagnosis, people can be asked to take other tests. Another WBC-DC test can be repeated after 2-3 weeks. Even if the results are normal, medical professionals can ask to take a WBC-DC test after a few months.