Is WBC Called TLC?
Yes, WBC is called TLC. WBC stands for white blood cells, and TLC stands for total leukocyte count. Leukocytes are another name for white blood cells. Therefore, TLC is simply a measurement of the total number of WBCs in a blood sample.
- White Blood Cells (WBCs): These are the body's infection-fighting cells. They are also known as leukocytes. Multiple types of WBCs exist, each with a specific role in immunity. [Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_blood_cell, https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=white_cell_count]
- Total Leukocyte Count (TLC): This is a blood test that measures the total number of white blood cells present in a sample of blood. [Source: What is the Total Leukocyte Count? Total Leukocyte Count (TLC) is the total number of white blood cells (also known as leukocytes) in your bloodstream.] A TLC test helps in diagnosing infections, inflammation, and certain blood disorders. [Source: https://www.apollo247.com//lab-tests-queries/what-difference-between-tlc-test-and-wbc-0_ltu]
A complete blood count (CBC) often includes the TLC as one of its parameters, alongside other important blood cell counts like hemoglobin (Hb) and differential leukocyte count (DLC). [Source: https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-a-TLC-test-and-a-WBC]
Interpreting TLC Results
Abnormal TLC results can indicate various health conditions:
- Leukopenia: A lower-than-normal WBC count, indicating a weakened immune system. [Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17706-low-white-blood-cell-count]
- Leukocytosis: A higher-than-normal WBC count, which can be a sign of infection, inflammation, or other conditions. [Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17704-high-white-blood-cell-count, https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-leukocytosis]