OVERVIEW
also are known as leukocytes. They make up the special system for combating the different infections and toxic agents.
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WHAT DOES THE TEST MEASURES?
There are two types of lymphocytes known as B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes. They are commonly referred to as B-cells and T-cells. Both the cells originate from stem cells in the bone marrow. From there, some cells travel to the thymus where they become T-cells and few cells remain in the bone marrow where they become B-cells.
B-CELLS: The job of B-Cells is to make antibodies, which are proteins produced by the immune system to fight foreign substances known as antigens. Each B cell makes one specific antibody. Each antibody matches an antigen in the same way that a key matches a lock, and when this happens, the antigen is marked for destruction.
T-CELLS: The job of T cells is to help the body kill cancer cells and control the immune response to foreign substances. They do this by destroying cells in the body that have been taken over by viruses or become cancerous.
The third type of lymphocyte, known as a natural killer or NK cell comes from the same place as B and T cells. NK cells respond quickly to several foreign substances and are specialized in killing cancer cells and virus-infected cells.
Q1. How is this test performed?
This test is performed on a blood sample. The blood is obtained from the vein and this is performed by a healthcare provider in the following way.
- clean the skin
- put an elastic band above the area
- insert a needle into a vein (usually in the arm inside of the elbow or on the back of the hand)
- pull the blood sample into a vial or syringe
- take off the elastic band and remove the needle from the vein
Q2. What are the risks associated with this test?
There is no significant risk associated with this test. A small bruise or mild soreness around the blood test site is common and can last for a few days. Get medical care if the discomfort gets worse or lasts longer.
Q3. What does a high lymphocyte count mean?
lymphocyte count above the normal range is a harmless and temporary situation due to the body's normal response to an infection or inflammatory condition.
But a high level of lymphocytes can also be a sign of lymphocytosis, which is a more serious condition.
Lymphocytosis is frequently associated with chronic infections, some blood cancers, and autoimmune diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Q4. What does a low lymphocyte count mean?
Lymphocyte counts below the normal range can also be temporary. They can occur after a cold or another infection, or be caused by intense physical exercise, stress, or malnutrition.
A low level can also be a sign of a condition known as lymphocytopenia or lymphopenia.
Lymphocytopenia can be inherited, or it can be acquired.
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULT:
Absolute lymphocyte count measures the lymphocytes in the blood, which are important for the body’s immune mechanism.
The normal range is given as percentage: Lymphocytes - 20-50%
