Absolute Lymphocyte Count Test

What are Lymphocytes?

• Type of White Blood Cell: Lymphocytes are a crucial component of the immune system, responsible for fighting infections and maintaining immune responses.
• Subtypes: There are three main types of lymphocytes:
  • B Cells: Produce antibodies to neutralize pathogens.
  • T Cells: Destroy infected or cancerous cells and help regulate immune responses.
  • Natural Killer (NK) Cells: Attack and destroy virus-infected cells and tumor cells.

Why is the Absolute Lymphocyte Count Done?

1. Diagnosis: Helps diagnose and monitor conditions where lymphocyte levels may be elevated or decreased.
2. Infections: Useful in evaluating the body's response to infections, especially viral infections.
3. Immune System Disorders: Assesses immune function in conditions like autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiency disorders, and lymphoproliferative disorders.

When Should You Get an Absolute Lymphocyte Count?

• Symptoms: If you have symptoms suggesting an infection (e.g., fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes), immune deficiency, or autoimmune disorders.
• Chronic Conditions: Individuals with chronic infections, immune system disorders, or cancers of the blood and lymphatic system.
• Monitoring: To monitor response to treatments affecting the immune system, such as chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy.