TLC Full Form, Types, Role of TLC in Humans, Reason for low and high TLC
Krati Saraswat5 Jun, 2025
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TLC full form is Total Leukocyte Count (TLC). It is a major component of blood along with RBC and platelets. The main job of leukocytes or white blood cells is to immune the body against possible infection. The leukocyte test is done to determine the levels of WBC in the body. Generally, there are five types of TLC namely, Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, and Basophils.
TLC Full Form in Medical
The TLC full form in medical is Total Leukocyte Count (TLC). It is generally the measure of total number of white blood cells in the body. The value is measured by testing a specimen of blood. The range of leukocytes in the body helps to indicate if the body is battling any infection or inflammation. The measurement of TLC is usually per microliter (cells/µL) and is often performed as part of a complete blood count (CBC) test. A normal TLC range for adults ranges between 4,000 and 11,000 cells/µL.TLC Full Form in English
The TLC full form in English is Total Leukocyte Count (TLC). Leukocyte is nothing but the white blood cell in the body. In this leuk means white and cyt means cell and this forms the immune army of the body. The TLC works by fighting off infection and foreign bodies like bacteria, viruses, and germs. WBC are formed in the bone marrow and then circulate in the body through the blood. This fights the infection and works together to keep the body fit and healthy.
TLC Full Form in Hindi
TLC Full Form in Hindi is कुल ल्यूकोसाइट गणना" है। यह एक प्रमुख परीक्षण है जो शरीर में सफेद रक्त कोशिकाओं (ल्यूकोसाइट) की कुल संख्या का मापन करता है। यह परीक्षण इंफेक्शन, इन्फ्लेमेशन, रक्त रोगों, अलर्जी और अन्य रोगों के निदान में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाता है। टीएलसी की संख्या के आधार पर, चिकित्सा पेशेवर व्यक्ति की स्वास्थ्य स्थिति का मूल्यांकन किया जा सकता है और निर्धारित रोग का पता लगाने में मदद मिलती है।
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Types of TLC
Generally, there are five types of TLC in the body and it has a separate role to play. However, each of these makes up the immune army of the body and works together to fight any infection. Get more details about their availability percentage and functioning from the table below.
| TLC Type Name | Total Count | Function |
| Neutrophils | 40-60% | Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cells and are involved in the body's defence against bacterial and fungal infections. They are typically the first responders to sites of infection or inflammation. |
| Lymphocytes | 20 - 40% | Lymphocytes are responsible for immune responses and can be further categorized into two major subtypes: B lymphocytes (B cells) and T lymphocytes (T cells). B cells produce antibodies, while T cells play a role in cell-mediated immunity. |
| Monocytes | 2 - 8% | Monocytes are larger cells that can differentiate into macrophages when they migrate to tissues. Macrophages have a crucial role in engulfing and digesting foreign particles, dead cells, and cellular debris. |
| Eosinophils | 1-6% | Eosinophils are involved in combating parasitic infections and play a role in allergic reactions. They release chemicals that help destroy parasites and modulate inflammation. |
| Basophils | 0.5 - 1% | Basophils are involved in allergic reactions and immune responses against parasites. They release substances like histamine, which promotes inflammation and attracts other immune cells to the site of infection or injury. |
Role of TLC in Humans
A TLC plays a pivotal role in humans in assessing the overall health of a person. It also helps to diagnose if the body is suffering from any possible infection or fatal diseases. The TLC plays the following role in humans.
1. Indicator of Infection
An increase in TLC count is help to determine if the body is fighting any sort of infection. This is determined by the neutrophil count assessment which helps to evaluate the presence and severity of an infection.
2. Monitoring Immune System Function
TLC count is used to monitor the overall function of the immune system. Abnormalities in TLC indicate if the body is battling any immunodeficiency disorders or autoimmune conditions.
3. Diagnosis of Blood Disorders
TLC is one of the major parameters that help to know if the body is showing symptoms of blood disorders like leukaemia, or lymphoma. Additionally, it is a major indicator of any type of cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow.
4. Evaluation of Inflammatory Conditions
A doctor can evaluate the TLC to know about any inflammatory condition of the body. This can range from rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, or inflammatory bowel disease. The severity of the diseases can be known by assessing the levels of TLC.
Reasons for Low TLC
The following can be the possible reason for a low TLC in human beings.
- Bone marrow deficiency or failure due to infection or tumour
- Cancer-treating drugs or other medicines like captopril, chemotherapy drugs, sulfonamides, Chlorpromazine, ticlopidine
- Liver or spleen diseases
- Severe bacterial infection
- Viral illnesses like mononucleosis
- Physical or emotional stress due to surgery
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus
Reasons for High TLC
The following factors account for a high TLC count in the body of an adult human.
- Allergy or any other inflammatory disease
- Cigarette smoking
- Spleen removal surgery
- Intake of medicines like heparin, lithium, epinephrine, corticosteroids and other granulocyte-stimulating factors.
- Leukaemia and Hodgkin’s disease
- Tissue damage
- Bacterial infections
Tests To Determine TLC Count In Body
Several TLC determines the total measure of white blood cells or leukocytes in the body. Depending on the patient’s condition, the doctor may prescribe any of the following tests.
1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
This is a common blood test that includes the measurement of TLC. This test also determines other parameters such as red blood cell count, haemoglobin level, and platelet count.
2. Automated Cell Counters
This test is used to determine the quick and accurate levels of TLC in the body. This test uses highly advanced machines like cytometry or impedance technology to count and classify different types of blood cells, including leukocytes.
3. Manual Differential Count
In this test, a TLC test is conducted by a trained technician who examines the blood smear using a microscope. He checks the ratio of WBC and RBC manually.
Why Should One Go for TLC Test?
Doctors prescribe TLC tests to patients to determine their overall white blood cell count. To check this, a technician performs a blood test on the individual. Here are some of the common reasons for performing a TLC test on a patient.
- It is conducted to diagnose any possible infection in the body
- The test report of TLC also determines if the patient is suffering from a bone marrow disorder
- A TLC test is done to monitor chemotherapy treatment for cancer patients
- The test report of the TLC test determines if the patient is suffering from any internal inflammation
- TLC is the best way to diagnose any allergic reaction
- Blood cancer such as leukaemia or lymphoma
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TLC Full Form FAQs
What is TLC full form in English?
What is TLC full form in Hindi?
What is the normal range of TLC?
What is TLC in disease?
What if the TLC level is high?
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