1. What is Absolute Lymphocyte Count?

Absolute Lymphocyte Count (ALC) is a measure of the total number of lymphocytes in the blood. It's calculated from the white blood cell count and the percentage of lymphocytes. ALC is an important parameter in assessing immune function and monitoring various medical conditions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the ALC formula:

Where:

• \( WBC \) — White Blood Cell count (cells/μL)
• \( Lymph \% \) — Percentage of lymphocytes in the differential count (%)

Explanation: The formula converts the percentage of lymphocytes into an absolute count by multiplying the total WBC by the lymphocyte percentage divided by 100.

3. Importance of ALC Calculation

Details: ALC is crucial for assessing immune status, monitoring infections, evaluating lymphoproliferative disorders, and guiding treatment decisions in various medical conditions including HIV, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter WBC count in cells/μL and lymphocyte percentage (0-100%). Both values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal ALC range for adults?
A: Normal ALC typically ranges from 1,000 to 4,800 cells/μL, though ranges may vary slightly between laboratories.

Q2: What does a low ALC indicate?
A: Low ALC (lymphopenia) can indicate immune deficiency, viral infections, autoimmune disorders, or certain medications affecting the immune system.

Q3: What does a high ALC indicate?
A: High ALC (lymphocytosis) may suggest viral infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, or lymphoproliferative disorders.

Q4: How often should ALC be monitored?
A: Monitoring frequency depends on the clinical context - it may be checked regularly in immunocompromised patients or those undergoing certain treatments.

Q5: Are there limitations to ALC calculation?
A: ALC provides a quantitative measure but doesn't assess lymphocyte function or subpopulations (T-cells, B-cells, NK cells) which may require additional testing.