TLC Test - Price, Procedure, Preparation, Report - 2024

Table of Content

Introduction to TLC Test

Maintaining your health does not only mean eating healthy food or keeping working out; it is also important to get regular medical tests. They help you know what is happening inside your body and if any issues need immediate attention.

Several tests are included in the regular health check, one of which is the Total leucocyte Count Test (TLC). This test determines the levels of WBCs in the bloodstream.

Leucocytes, also known as White Blood Cells, function as the body’s saviors by defending it against foreign invasion. Thus, doctors include the TLC test in their regular tests to help determine whether the body is experiencing any condition or if there are any potential health threats.

Book your TLC test with Redcliffe Labs and take it from your home. 

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What is the TLC Test?

The TLC blood test, also known as the Total Lymphocyte Count, measures the number of lymphocytes in the blood. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell crucial for the immune system's function, defending the body against infections and diseases. 

This test is vital in evaluating the immune system's health and detecting disorders that affect lymphocyte production or function, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and immune deficiencies. Abnormalities in the TLC can indicate underlying health issues, including infections, autoimmune diseases, or cancer. 

Doctors may order a TLC test as part of routine health screenings, during illness to monitor immune response, or to assess treatment effectiveness in conditions affecting the immune system. The test involves drawing a blood sample, usually from a vein in the arm, which is then analyzed in a laboratory. Results typically come back within a few days, and healthcare providers interpret them with other diagnostic information to make informed decisions about a patient's health.

Regular TLC monitoring can help manage chronic conditions and ensure timely intervention if abnormalities are detected, ultimately contributing to overall health and well-being.

Factors Affecting TLC:

Multiple factors can affect the white blood cell count in your body; some of them are mentioned below:

• Age: TLC levels can vary based on age. Children tend to have higher TLC counts than adults.
• Time of Day: TLC levels can fluctuate throughout the day, with the highest counts usually occurring in the late afternoon and the lowest in the early morning.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant individuals might have slightly elevated TLC levels due to the body's response to pregnancy-related changes.
• Medications: TLC levels can be affected by drugs such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.
• Infections and Diseases: TLC levels can increase in response to infections, inflammation, and various medical conditions.

Symptoms of TLC count Abnormalities:

Abnormalities in Total Lymphocyte Count (TLC) can manifest through various symptoms, depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Here are some symptoms associated with TLC abnormalities:

1. Recurrent Infections: A low TLC, indicating a weakened immune system, can lead to frequent respiratory infections (cough, fever, sore throat), urinary tract infections, or skin infections. These infections may be more severe or take longer to resolve than usual.
2. Fatigue and Weakness: Chronic fatigue and weakness may occur due to the body's inability to fight infections effectively. This can impact daily activities and overall quality of life.
3. Weight Loss: Significant and unexplained weight loss may occur with certain TLC abnormalities, particularly in conditions like HIV/AIDS or certain cancers, where the immune system is compromised.
4. Swollen Lymph Nodes: Enlarged or swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the neck, armpits, or groin, may indicate an abnormal immune response or underlying infection.
5. Easy Bruising or Bleeding: Some conditions associated with abnormal TLC, such as leukemia, can affect the production of platelets, leading to easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from minor cuts or injuries, or frequent nosebleeds.
6. Skin Rashes: In some cases, abnormalities in TLC can lead to skin manifestations such as rashes, lesions, or ulcers, particularly in autoimmune disorders or certain infections.
7. Bone and Joint Pain: Conditions affecting the bone marrow, such as leukemia or lymphoma, may cause bone pain, joint pain, or swelling.
8. Persistent Fever: A persistent fever, particularly without an obvious cause, may indicate an underlying infection or inflammatory condition associated with TLC abnormalities.

It's important to note that these symptoms are nonspecific and can occur due to various other medical conditions. Therefore, proper medical evaluation and diagnosis by a healthcare professional are essential for determining the underlying cause of TLC abnormalities and appropriate treatment.

Preparations Required Before the TLC Test:

There is no special set of rules that are to be followed before taking the TLC blood test. However, these are some basic guidelines to be followed:

• You are not required to fast before taking the double marker test, but if your health requires it, talk to your physician about any special dietary requirements.
• You are pregnant so you might be on any medication or supplement. It is important to inform your doctor about that as well. You do not need to panic in such situations; if they think there is an issue, they will tell you about the solution as well. 
• It is a blood test, so avoiding any workouts or yoga before taking the test is always recommended.
• It is advised not to smoke or drink alcohol before taking the test because it may alter the test results.

If you follow these basic guidelines before taking the test and keep your physician in the loop, you are ready.

The procedure for the TLC test is:

This TLC test is like any other blood test, so the procedure followed is the same.

• The phlebotomist, on arrival, ties a band around your arm.
• They tell you to make a fist so the veins are properly visible.
• They disinfect the area from which the blood is to be drawn.
• Then, a thin, sterile needle is inserted into the vein to draw blood, and after the needle is removed, a bandage is put on the punctured area.
• After drawing the blood, they put it in a vial, seal it, and label it.
• This vial is then taken to the laboratory to be tested.

Remember that the punctured area may have a stinging sensation for two days. You should consult a doctor if it lasts longer than two days or the pain is significantly severe.

How to Interpret your TLC Blood Test Report?

Interpreting a TLC (Total Lymphocyte Count) blood test report provides valuable insights into the immune system's status. The TLC measures the concentration of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell crucial for immune function, in the bloodstream. A normal TLC typically ranges from 1000 to 4800 lymphocytes per microliter of blood, although this range may vary slightly between laboratories and individuals.

When analyzing a TLC blood test report, several factors are considered:

•  Absolute Lymphocyte Count (ALC):

 This value indicates the actual number of lymphocytes present in the blood. A low ALC may suggest immune suppression due to conditions such as HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, or immune deficiencies.

•  Percentage of Lymphocytes: 

This represents the proportion of lymphocytes compared to other types of white blood cells. An increased percentage may indicate infections, inflammatory conditions, or stress response, while a decreased percentage may suggest bone marrow disorders or immunosuppression.

•  Clinical Context:

 Interpreting the TLC report requires considering the patient's medical history, symptoms, and ongoing treatments. For example, a low TLC in a patient undergoing chemotherapy is expected due to treatment-induced immune suppression.

• Comparison with Reference Range:

 Results outside the normal range warrant further investigation. Persistent low TLC may indicate chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, or bone marrow disorders, while consistently high TLC may suggest chronic inflammation or leukemia.

• Other Blood Parameters:

Assessing other blood parameters, such as total white blood cell count, can provide additional context. A low TLC and total white blood cell count may indicate bone marrow suppression. In contrast, an elevated TLC with elevated total white blood cell count may suggest infection or inflammation.

Interpreting a TLC blood test report requires clinical expertise and consideration of various factors to determine its significance accurately. Healthcare providers use these results to diagnose and manage multiple conditions affecting the immune system, ensuring timely intervention and optimal patient care.

Get tested at Redcliffe Labs!

If you are looking for a place to get your regular health checkups or TLC blood tests done, you can book your test with Redcliffe Labs. You can avail of the home sample collection service and get yourself tested from the comfort of your home.

More than 50,000 health providers trust Redcliffe Labs to provide accurate test reports within a stipulated timeframe.