HB + TLC + DLC + ESR in Dehradun

What is a HB + TLC + DLC + ESR?

This is a focused panel covering four of the most frequently used blood values: haemoglobin for anaemia, the total leukocyte count for the scale of an immune response, the differential leukocyte count for which type of white cell is responsible, and the ESR as a marker of chronic inflammation. It answers the questions a general practitioner most often has in front of an unwell patient, at lower cost than a full Complete Blood Count with ESR. What it leaves out is worth knowing. It does not include the platelet count, which matters greatly in dengue and in any bleeding problem, and it does not include the red cell indices, MCV, MCH and MCHC, which are what classify an anaemia into iron deficiency, B12 or folate deficiency, or thalassaemia trait. In a monsoon fever in Dehradun, where tracking platelets is central to safe management, this panel is the wrong choice and a full CBC is what your doctor will want. Where the question is simply whether someone is anaemic and whether an infection looks bacterial or viral, it is adequate and economical.

Why take this test?

This panel is advised for a straightforward assessment of fever or suspected infection, where the type of white cell response and the presence of anaemia are the main questions, and for a general check where cost matters. It is used for fatigue, recurrent minor illness, and to follow a known condition where the relevant values are already established. It is not the right choice where platelets matter, which includes any fever during or after the monsoon in Dehradun given dengue, any bleeding or bruising problem, and any pre-operative assessment. It is also not sufficient where anaemia needs classifying, since without the red cell indices your doctor cannot tell iron deficiency from B12 deficiency from thalassaemia trait, and will end up ordering more tests. Ask your doctor whether the full Complete Blood Count is worth the modest difference, because in most situations it is.

• Straightforward assessment of fever or suspected infection
• Checking for anaemia where classification is not yet needed
• Fatigue or recurrent minor illness
• Following a known condition on established values
• Not suitable where platelets matter, including monsoon fever
• Not sufficient where anaemia needs classifying

FAQs: HB + TLC + DLC + ESR in Dehradun