Description
Why It’s Done:
The ALC is used to:
• Assess immune function
• Detect and monitor infections, autoimmune disorders, and immune deficiencies
• Help diagnose and monitor blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma
• Monitor patients undergoing chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy
• Evaluate conditions such as:
o Viral infections (e.g., mononucleosis, hepatitis, HIV)
o Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
o Bone marrow disorders
Low ALC (lymphocytopenia) may indicate:
• Viral infections (e.g., HIV, hepatitis)
• Autoimmune diseases
• Bone marrow suppression
• Immunodeficiency
High ALC (lymphocytosis) may indicate:
• Viral or chronic infections
• Certain leukemias or lymphomas
Preparation:
• No special preparation is needed for the ALC test.
• A routine blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm.
• Inform your doctor about any medications, as some (e.g., steroids, chemotherapy) can affect lymphocyte levels
