The DLC (Differential Leukocyte Count) Test is a blood test that identifies and quantifies different types of white blood cells in your bloodstream, aiding in the diagnosis of infections and blood disorders. It provides essential information for tailoring specific medical treatments.
DLC Test
Here are the basic details of the DLC Test.
Also Known As |
Differential Leukocyte Count (DLC) Test, Leukogram |
Type |
Blood test |
Purpose |
Assess white blood cell subtypes and infections |
Sample Type |
Blood sample |
Preparation |
No |
Fasting |
No |
Gender |
Unisex |
Age Group |
All |
Normal Value |
Varies by Parameters |
Reporting Time |
Few Hours |
Cost |
100-200 INR* |
*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.
DLC Test Means
DLC (Differential Leukocyte Count) Test analyzes white blood cell types.
- It quantifies different WBC subtypes like neutrophils and lymphocytes.
- Used to diagnose infections, allergies, and blood disorders.
- Abnormal DLC results can provide insights into underlying conditions.
- It aids in tailoring specific treatments based on WBC profile.
DLC Test Purpose
The purpose of the DLC (Differential Leucocyte Count) Test is to:
- Determine the proportions of different types of white blood cells (leucocytes) in the blood.
- Detect and diagnose various infections, inflammatory disorders, and blood-related conditions.
- Monitor the body's immune response and overall health.
- Guide medical treatment decisions based on specific white blood cell counts.
DLC Test Preparation
Here is the basic preparation for the DLC (Differential Leucocyte Count) Test.
Before Test
- No specific fasting or dietary restrictions are usually required.
- Inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking.
- Follow any additional instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
During Test
- Cooperate with the healthcare professional conducting the test.
- A blood sample will be taken, which is a relatively quick and simple procedure.
After Test
- Resume normal activities as advised by your healthcare provider.
- You may experience slight discomfort or bruising at the site where the blood was drawn, which is normal and should subside.
DLC Test Procedure
Here's the DLC (Differential Leucocyte Count) Test Procedure.
- A blood sample is collected from a vein, typically in the arm.
- The blood sample is placed in a specialized tube.
- The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis.
- In the laboratory, the blood sample is processed using automated equipment.
- Different types of white blood cells (leukocytes) are counted and categorized.
- The results are reported to a healthcare provider for interpretation.
DLC Test Result
- High neutrophils suggest bacterial infection.
- Elevated lymphocytes may indicate viral infection.
- Low white blood cell count may suggest immunodeficiency.
DLC Test Report
DLC Test Report PDF
DLC Test Normal Report
DLC Normal Test Report PDF Format
DLC Test Normal Result Report PDF
DLC Test Abnormal Report
DLC Abnormal Test Report PDF Format
DLC Test Abnormal Result Report PDF
DLC Test Normal Range
Here is the normal range of the DLC Test (Differential Leucocyte Count).
DIFFERENTIAL LEUCOCYTE COUNT |
Reference Value |
Neutrophils |
50 - 62 % |
Lymphocytes |
20 - 40 % |
Eosinophils |
00 - 06 % |
Monocytes |
00 - 10 % |
Basophils |
00 - 02 % |
DLC Test Interpretation
Here is Interpretation of the Differential Leukocyte Count (DLC) Test.
Leukocyte Type |
Normal Range |
Interpretation |
Neutrophils |
50 - 62 % |
- Elevated: Bacterial infection
- Low: Possible immunodeficiency.
|
Lymphocytes |
20 - 40 % |
- Elevated: Viral infection
- Low: May indicate immune suppression.
|
Monocytes |
00 - 06 % |
Elevated: Chronic infection, autoimmune disease. |
Eosinophils |
00 - 10 % |
Elevated: Allergies, parasitic infection. |
Basophils |
00 - 02 % |
Elevated: Allergic reactions, some cancers. |
High WBC Count Causes After DLC Test High Levels
- Infection - Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause an increase in WBC count.
- Leukaemia - A type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow and leads to the overproduction of abnormal WBCs.
- Stress - Emotional or physical stress can cause a temporary increase in the WBC count.
- Smoking - Smoking can cause a rise in the WBC count.
- Allergies - Allergic reactions can cause a temporary increase in WBC count.
- Trauma - Physical trauma or injury can cause a temporary increase in the WBC count.
Low WBC Count Causes After DLC Test Low Levels
- Viral infections - can suppress the bone marrow, resulting in a decrease in WBC production.
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy - These treatments can damage the bone marrow and reduce WBC production.
- Autoimmune disorders - can cause the body to attack and destroy its own WBCs.
- Bone marrow disorders - such as aplastic anaemia, can reduce WBC production.
- HIV/AIDS - can attack and destroy WBCs, particularly CD4 cells.
Specimen Requirements For DLC Test
Here are the specimen requirements for the DLC Test (Differential Leucocyte Count).
Specimen |
Whole blood |
Volume |
Fill tube to capacity |
Container |
Lavender-top (EDTA) tube |
Collection |
Invert tube 8 to 10 times immediately after tube is filled at the time of collection. |
Storage |
Maintain specimen at room temperature for 24 hours; refrigerate for 48 hours. |
Sample Stability
|
Temperature
|
Period
|
Room temperature
|
1 day
|
Refrigerated
|
3 days
|
Frozen
|
Unstable
|
Freeze/thaw cycles
|
Unstable
|
Causes for Rejection
|
Hemolysis; clotted specimen; tube not filled with minimum fill volume; specimen diluted or contaminated with IV fluid; specimen drawn in any anticoagulant other than EDTA.
|
DLC Test is Safe?
DLC Test is generally considered safe and routine.
- It involves a simple blood draw, which is a common and safe procedure.
- Like most blood tests, there may be a slight risk of minor discomfort or bruising at the site of blood collection, but serious complications are rare.
When Do You Get DLC Test Results?
- DLC (Differential Leukocyte Count) Test results are usually available on the same day the test is conducted within few hours.
- Your healthcare provider will inform you when to expect your test results, which can vary depending on the laboratory's turnaround time.
DLC Test Limitation
Here is the basic limitation of DLC Test.
- DLC (Differential Leukocyte Count) may not provide a definitive diagnosis and should be interpreted alongside other clinical data.
- Variability in lab techniques and equipment can affect test accuracy.
- Certain medical conditions or medications may influence DLC results.
DLC Test Risk Factors
Here are some of the risk factors of the DLC Test.
- Infection or inflammation in the body can affect differential leukocyte counts.
- Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, can alter white blood cell levels.
- Chronic medical conditions, like leukemia or autoimmune disorders, may result in abnormal DLC results.
Doctor Recommendations After DLC Test Result
Here are Doctor's recommendations or consult a specialist after the DLC Test.
DLC Test Result |
Doctor to Visit |
Reason |
High |
Hematologist |
Investigate blood disorder or infection |
Normal |
Primary Care |
Routine assessment of blood counts |
Low |
Primary Care |
Potential underlying health issue |
DLC Test Price
Here are the estimated DLC Test Prices in India with different top cities:
*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.
Summary
Overall, DLC test safe for identifying potential infections and immune system disorders. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.
Reference
- White blood cell - Wikipedia [1].
- The White Blood Cell and Differential Count - NIH [2].