the DLC blood test
What is a DLC blood test
A DLC blood test, also known as a differential leukocyte count, is a type of blood test that measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) in your blood. WBCs are an important part of your immune system, and they help your body fight infection. The DLC test can help your doctor diagnose a variety of conditions, including infections, inflammation, and blood disorders.
What are the normal ranges for a DLC blood test
The normal ranges for a DLC blood test can vary depending on your age, sex, and overall health. However, in general, the following ranges are considered normal
* Neutrophils 55-70%
* Lymphocytes 20-40%
* Monocytes 2-8%
* Eosinophils 2-4%
* Basophils 0.5-1%
What does an abnormal DLC blood test mean
An abnormal DLC blood test can mean that you have an infection, inflammation, or blood disorder. Here are some examples of what an abnormal DLC blood test might mean
* A high number of neutrophils (neutrophilia) can be a sign of an infection.
* A low number of neutrophils (neutropenia) can be a sign of a bone marrow disorder or an infection.
* A high number of lymphocytes (lymphocytosis) can be a sign of an infection, an autoimmune disorder, or cancer.
* A low number of lymphocytes (lymphopenia) can be a sign of a bone marrow disorder, an infection, or cancer.
* A high number of monocytes (monocytosis) can be a sign of an infection, inflammation, or cancer.
* A low number of monocytes (monocytopenia) can be a sign of a bone marrow disorder or a chronic infection.
* A high number of eosinophils (eosinophilia) can be a sign of an allergic reaction, an infection, or a parasitic infestation.
* A low number of eosinophils (eosinopenia) is usually not significant.
* A high number of basophils (basophilia) can be a sign of a bone marrow disorder or a chronic infection.
* A low number of basophils (basopenia) is usually not significant.
What does a DLC blood test tell you
A DLC blood test can tell your doctor a lot about your immune system and overall health. By looking at the percentage of each type of WBC in your blood, your doctor can get clues about what might be causing your symptoms. For example, if you have a high number of neutrophils, your doctor might suspect that you have an infection. If you have a low number of lymphocytes, your doctor might suspect that you have a bone marrow disorder or an infection.
Why might I need a DLC blood test
A DLC blood test can be ordered for a variety of reasons, including
* To diagnose an infection
* To monitor the progression of a chronic illness
* To check for side effects of medication
* To screen for blood disorders
* To assess your overall health
What are the risks of a DLC blood test
There are no significant risks associated with a DLC blood test. The test is performed by a phlebotomist, who will draw a small amount of blood from your arm. You may experience some mild bruising at the puncture site, but this is usually temporary.
If you have any questions about a DLC blood test, be sure to talk to your doctor.
