DC Blood Test: A differential blood count is done to check an individual’s white blood cell levels, which can indicate the presence of infection or an allergic reaction. However, a DC blood test doesn’t measure the amount of white blood cells in your blood instead, it looks at the percentages & numbers of various types of blood cells.
There are several types of differential blood counts, including manual and complete blood count (CBC Blood Test) with differential. Our body has five different types of white blood cells with different functions, so measuring them separately can give your healthcare provider important information about your health.
What is Differential Blood Count?
A differential blood count is a blood test that is performed to determine the overall health of your body. It is used to check the amount of white blood cell (WBC) levels that you have in your body. White blood cells or leukocytes are part of your immune system, that work together to protect your body from infections.
What is the Use of DC Blood Test?
A differential blood count test is often a part of a general physical exam. A DC blood test enables doctors to understand important information about your health. This test also helps diagnose a variety of medical concerns like infections, leukemia, diseases, etc.
How Many Types of White Blood Cells?
There are five different types of white blood cells, including:
- Neutrophils: These are the most common type of white blood cell that help your body protect from infections such as bacteria, viruses, or other germs.
- Lymphocytes: These are your two main types of blood cells i.e. B cells and T cells that make antibodies to help you fight infections.
- Basophils: These cells release a chemical named histamine to help fight allergic reactions. In addition, they also fight infections and inflammation.
- Monocytes: They help kill bacteria, viruses, or other germs that can make you sick. They also boost the body’s immune response and remove dead cells and bacteria.
- Eosinophils: These cells release enzymes that defend against cancer cells and parasites. They also help with allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
What is the Normal White Blood Cell Count Range?
A normal white blood cell count range can vary by lab, but generally, normal values for the DC test are as follows:
| Type | Gender | Value |
|---|---|---|
|
Neutrophils
|
Unisex
|
40-80%
|
|
Lymphocytes
|
Unisex
|
20-40%
|
|
Monocytes
|
Unisex
|
2-10%
|
|
Eosinophils
|
Unisex
|
1-6%
|
| Basophils |
Unisex
|
1-2%
|
What is a Manual Differential Blood Test?
Most differential blood tests are automated tests done with special equipment. If something unusual shows up in an automated test, the blood test lab near me might check the sample manually. This is called a manual differential blood test. It also helps look for unusual cells and young cells called a band. We need a manual DC blood test to monitor our health during some types of treatment.
What is a CBC with Differential?
Sometimes, a differential blood test is also done with a complete blood count, which is called a CBC with a differential. This test makes specific measurements of your white blood cell count and your other blood cell levels, including red blood cells and platelets.
Conclusion
You should be aware that a high or low white blood cell count does not always mean you have a health problem. Some factors like drinking alcohol, intense exercise, and even an imbalanced diet can affect your DC blood test results. If you have abnormal differential blood test results, your doctor might order more specific tests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
01. What is the Full Form of a DC Blood Test?
Ans: The full form of a DC Blood Test stands for the differential blood test.
02. What is the Normal Range For a TC DC Blood Test?
Ans: The normal range for a TC DC Blood Test Count is between 4000 to 11000 cells for unisex genders and all age groups.
03. How Many Types of White Blood Cells?
Ans: There are five types of white blood cells including Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, and Basophils.
04. What is the Normal DC Count in Male?
Ans: The normal range for DC Count in males as the mean +/- 2SD were 0.16-0.68% PBL, 0.55-1.63% MNC, and 13-37 DC/microL of blood.
05. What is the Full Form of WBC?
Ans: The full form of WBC stands for white blood cells.
