DLC Test – Price, Purpose, Procedure, and Normal Range

Differential Leukocyte Count (DLC) is a medical term that refers to a laboratory test used to determine the proportions of different types of white blood cells (leukocytes) in a blood sample. White blood cells play a crucial role in the body’s immune response and are responsible for defending against infections and diseases.

The DLC test is usually performed as part of a complete blood count (CBC) and provides valuable information about the types and relative percentages of different white blood cell types present in the blood. The results provide important diagnostic information for various conditions, including infections, inflammatory disorders, leukemia, and other hematological disorders.

The price range of DLC test is usually between Rs 60 to Rs 252.

Your doctor may recommend a DLC test because of the following reasons-

1. Weight Loss
2. Fatigue
3. Bruising
4. Fever
5. Body Aches
6. Chills
7. Headache

DLC Test Details in Brief

Also Known As	CT Chest, Chest CT, CT Thorax, HRCT Chest, CECT Chest, CECT Thorax
Purpose	Lung infection, COVID severity, TB, pneumonia & tumours.
Preparation	No special preparation required. 4-6 Hours fasting required for CECT Chest
Fasting	No
Machine Used	CT Scanner (Preferably minimum 8 slices)
Reporting Time	8 to 24 Hrs.
Cost	Rs. 2000 to Rs. 6000

Price

Test Price usually ranges from Rs 60 to Rs 252. The actual price depends on the diagnostic center and the city. Bookmerilab partners with more than 200 diagnostic centers across India. We provide a 10-50% discount on medical diagnostic tests.

Prices at Popular diagnostic centres

The table below lists the prices at some of the popular diagnostic centres.

Name of Lab	Test Price
Redcliffe Labs	Rs 106
Janta X Ray Clinic	Rs 72
City X-Ray	Rs 75
Prognosis Laboratories	Rs 60
Bharat X Ray Clinic	Rs 65
Mahajan Imaging	Rs 160
Aarthi Scans	Rs 117
Dr Lal path labs	Rs 160
Vijaya Diagnostics	Rs N/A

Cost in different cities

The test cost depends upon the one recommended by your healthcare professional. The cost varies depending on the lab and the city.

City	Test Price
DLC Test Price in Delhi	Rs 60 to Rs 160
DLC Test Price in Mumbai	Rs 64 to Rs 117
DLC Test Price in Bangalore	Rs 90 to Rs 117
DLC Test Price in Hyderabad	Rs 95 to Rs 252
DLC Test Price in Gurgaon	Rs 67 to Rs 179
DLC Test Price in Chennai	Rs 105 to Rs 117
DLC Test Price in Kolkata	Rs 105 to Rs 150

Purpose

1. Assess white blood cell distribution: It helps determine the percentages of different types of white blood cells in a blood sample, aiding in diagnosing and monitoring various conditions.
2. Identify abnormalities: Abnormalities in white blood cell counts or percentages can indicate infections, inflammatory disorders, or hematological disorders.
3. Monitor treatment response: The DLC test can track changes in white blood cell counts over time, helping assess the effectiveness of therapy.
4. Support diagnosis: The DLC test is used in conjunction with other tests to support the diagnosis of various medical conditions.
5. Guide clinical management: The results of the DLC test can inform further clinical management decisions, such as adjusting medications, initiating additional tests, or referral to a specialist.

Preparation

This test does not require any preparation or fasting beforehand. The patient should let the doctor know about any medications they are taking because some drugs may affect the outcome of the test.

Procedure

It is a fairly simple diagnostic blood test. Below are the steps to draw a blood sample from the vein in your arm or hand-

1. A technician (phlebotomist) may tie a tourniquet (elastic band) to your arm.
2. The phlebotomist will locate your blood vessel.
3. Then the site is cleaned with spirit.
4. A Needle is inserted into your vein to draw the blood.
5. The blood sample is then withdrawn into a syringe or a vial.
6. Cotton is placed on the puncture site with mild pressure till the bleeding stops.
7. A small band-aid is then placed, which may be removed after an hour.

The entire procedure takes only a few minutes.

Risk

It is a very simple and safe test. The risks involved are the same as that of any other blood test. These include-

• Infection at the puncture site if proper sterilization protocol is not followed and the needle is contaminated. This is, however, very rare. You may ensure that your phlebotomist takes out the needle in front of you from a sterile pack.
• Multiple pricks if the blood vessel is not easily found
• Excessive bleeding at the puncture site- Please inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any blood thinners or have any bleeding disorders.
• Light-headedness due to stress or heavy bleeding.

Minor pain and bruising that might occur will resolve on their own in a very short time.

Result

The results of a Differential Leukocyte Count (DLC) blood test typically provide information about the percentage of different types of white blood cells (leukocytes) present in a blood sample.

Here are some key points about the possible results:

1. Neutrophils: Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cells and are typically responsible for fighting bacterial infections. The normal range for neutrophils is usually around 40-60% of the total white blood cell count.
2. Lymphocytes: Lymphocytes are involved in the immune response and can help fight viral and fungal infections. The normal range for lymphocytes is generally around 20-40% of the total white blood cell count.
3. Monocytes: Monocytes are responsible for removing dead cells and cellular debris from the body. The normal range for monocytes is typically around 2-8% of the total white blood cell count.
4. Eosinophils: Eosinophils are involved in allergic reactions and defense against certain parasites. The normal range for eosinophils is usually around 1-4% of the total white blood cell count.
5. Basophils: Basophils are involved in allergic reactions and immune response. However, they are the least common type of white blood cells and their percentage in the blood is typically very low, usually less than 1%.

WBC Type	Range levels in percentage
Neutrophils or Polymorphs	40 to 60%
Lymphocytes (B and T cells)	20 to 40%
Monocytes	2 to 8%
Eosinophils	1 to4%
Basophils	0.5 to 1%

Limitations

1. Interference: Medications, medical conditions, or other factors can interfere with the accuracy of DLC results, leading to false readings or misinterpretation.
2. Lack of specificity: DLC may not always be specific for diagnosing specific diseases, as some conditions may have overlapping DLC patterns.
3. Variability: Normal reference ranges may vary depending on age, sex, ethnicity, and other factors, leading to potential misinterpretation of results.
4. Limited diagnostic value: DLC results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other laboratory tests for accurate diagnosis and management of medical conditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Differential Leukocyte Count (DLC) blood test is a valuable tool in assessing the relative percentages of different types of white blood cells in a blood sample. However, it has limitations, including subjectivity in manual counting, potential interference from medications or medical conditions, incomplete information, and others. Therefore, DLC results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other laboratory tests for accurate diagnosis and management of medical conditions. Consultation with a qualified healthcare professional is essential for proper interpretation and utilization of DLC test results in clinical practice.

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