TLC + DLC in Dehradun

What is a TLC + DLC?

This pairs two measurements that are far more useful together than apart. The Total Leukocyte Count is a headcount of white blood cells in a fixed volume, showing whether the immune system is mobilised, suppressed or normal. The Differential Leukocyte Count splits that total into its five types, and it is the split that carries the diagnosis. Neutrophils dominate in bacterial infection. Lymphocytes rise in viral illness and are naturally higher in young children. Monocytes take over in longer-running infections such as tuberculosis. Eosinophils climb with allergy and with parasitic worm infestation, both common in India. Basophils, the rarest, feature in allergic reactions. Because the differential is expressed as percentages that must total 100, one cell type rising automatically pushes the others down, so a percentage can look abnormal when the actual number is fine; where that distinction matters, the absolute counts are calculated. Reading the total and the differential together is what turns a vague finding of raised white cells into a specific direction of enquiry.

Why take this test?

This combination is advised for fever where the cause is not yet obvious, for suspected infection when its type is uncertain, for recurrent or prolonged illness, and for allergic symptoms such as persistent sneezing, wheeze, itching or a rash. In Dehradun through the monsoon it earns particular value: dengue characteristically lowers both white cells and platelets, while a bacterial infection typically raises the white count, so the direction of change is an early clue to what kind of fever someone has before any specific test comes back. It is used to look for worm infestation in someone with unexplained anaemia or abdominal symptoms, to follow a known infection's response to treatment, and to watch patients taking medicines that suppress the bone marrow. In practice most people receive it inside a Complete Blood Count, which adds haemoglobin, platelets and the red-cell indices from the same sample for very little more.

• Fever where the cause is not yet clear
• Suspected bacterial or viral infection
• Monsoon fever in Dehradun, where dengue lowers the counts
• Allergic symptoms, wheeze, itching or a rash
• Suspected worm infestation or unexplained anaemia
• Monitoring treatment that can suppress the bone marrow

Normal reference ranges

Ranges are indicative for adults. Your report carries the lab-specific reference range and is reviewed by a LabONE pathologist; always interpret results with your doctor.

FAQs: TLC + DLC in Dehradun