Blood tests are one of the commonly used diagnostic methods used by physicians to figure out what is going on inside the human system. One very important test is the TLC blood test which determines the total amount of white blood cells (WBCs) present in the blood.
The TLC test is included in the Complete Blood Count but the physician could just target the TLC results when symptoms like fever, repeated infections or unexplained fatigue are present and indicates one’s health condition.
TLC is abbreviated from Total Leukocyte Count. The term leukocyte is another name for white blood cells or WBCs.
This test provides information about the total amount of leukocytes in a specific amount of blood. These cells are formed in the bone marrow and travel within the blood flow throughout the human body.
Leukocytes are important in protecting the body from infection by various bacteria and viruses.
Despite the fact that TLC counts the overall volume of white blood cells, there exist various types of white blood cells, which are:
Neutrophils are especially useful in fighting infections caused by numerous pathogens.
Lymphocytes are vital cells for immune reactions. This group includes T and B cells.
Monocytes on their part eliminate damaged cells and pathogens and are part of the immune response.
An increase in eosinophils can occur in case of allergies, and parasites.
Basophils are involved in the process of causing inflammation and allergies.
It is also possible for the medical experts to evaluate differential leukocyte count (DLC), if they want to know the proportion of white blood cell types.
There are several reasons why doctors may advise a TLC test to their patients. The test could form part of a standard health assessment or be ordered when the patient exhibits symptoms that indicate the presence of an infection or illness that affects the immune system.
For example, one of the main reasons might be high or persistent fever which cannot be explained. Given the fact that white blood cells react to many infections, information about TLC changes can assist medical professionals in the causative agent determination.
Other reasons to request the test include frequently occurring infections, fatigue, fever, or unexplained weight loss.
The test may need to be repeated for people with different medical conditions or for patients receiving treatment that might influence their bone marrow and blood cell counts.
Nevertheless, TLC by itself is usually insufficient to determine the cause of the medical problem. Physicians use it in conjunction with other tests and assessments.
Leukocytosis refers to an abnormally elevated count of leukocytes.
Infections are one of the diseases that cause an increase in white blood cells, mostly some kind of bacterial infections, but that is not the only possible underlying cause.
When it comes to the other causes of an increase in TLC, it can be elevated in case of physical or emotional stress, inflammation, usage of some medications, smoking or injury of tissues. In certain situations, there can be substantially abnormal or permanent counts of leukocytes which are connected to blood and bone marrow disorders.
Thus, an increase in TLC is not necessarily the indication of a disease or infection.
A reduced white blood cell count is known as leukopenia.
A reduced T.L.C. could happen with specific viral infections, autoimmune conditions, and disorders of the bone marrow, in serious infections or due to a lack of nutrients or medications such as chemotherapy.
If the particular kind of white blood cells is reduced, then doctors will need to carry out a differential count, for example, having low levels of neutrophils is sometimes referred to as neutropenia which could increase vulnerability to certain infections.
The significance of a leukopenic status can vary based on the rank of the white blood cells affected.
Normal white blood cell counts will vary because different medical labs will use different methods of testing and reference ranges.
Usually, for adults, the reference range is 4,000 to 11,000 white blood cells per microlitre of blood, and the reference range reported by the individual laboratory should be used.
The normal values may also vary based on age, pregnancy and other physiologic factors.
Patients should refrain from interpreting the total leukocyte count based only on a number acquired online.
TLC and DLC offer pertinent yet different information.
The total number of white blood cells is calculated in TLC, while in the case of DLC, it is calculated in terms of the proportions of certain individual types of white blood cells, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.
Thus, for instance, two people may present similar values for TLC but contrasting proportions of neutrophils and lymphocytes. Hence the combined examination of both tests results in valuable information for the physician.
TLC is a test that requires a small sample of blood, which is usually taken from a vein in the arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for an analysis of white blood cell counts through specialised testing equipment.
Generally, the blood collection process itself takes only a few minutes. Some patients may feel mild pain when the needle enters.
Fasting is not required for TLC tests specifically. However, if other tests, like blood glucose or lipid tests, are to be performed at the same time, fasting will likely be required.
Always adhere to the doctor’s or diagnostic center’s directions when it comes to instances where fasting is required.
An abnormal TLC result must always be interpreted in context. A slightly elevated or reduced value cannot confirm pathology. Previous illness, medication, stress and other factors may affect the white blood cell count.
Sometimes doctors may suggest repeating CBC, evaluating DLC, doing a peripheral blood smear or performing some other tests.
At Aarna Diagnostic Centre TLC can be done in the course of regular or clinically-recommended blood tests. Results need to be interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms, medical history and other facts by the registered medical practitioner.
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