1. What is Absolute Leukocyte Count?

Absolute Leukocyte Count (ALC) is the actual number of leukocytes (white blood cells) in a specific volume of blood, calculated from the total WBC count and the percentage of leukocytes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the ALC formula:

Where:

• \( Total\ WBC \) — Total white blood cell count (cells/μL)
• \( Leukocyte\ \% \) — Percentage of leukocytes in differential count

Explanation: The equation converts the percentage of leukocytes into an absolute count based on the total WBC count.

3. Importance of ALC Calculation

Details: ALC provides more clinically relevant information than percentages alone, especially for monitoring immune status, detecting infections, and managing chemotherapy patients.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total WBC count in cells/μL and leukocyte percentage. Both values must be positive numbers (WBC > 0, percentage between 0-100).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why calculate ALC instead of just using percentages?
A: Percentages can be misleading when total WBC count is abnormal. ALC provides the actual cell count which is more meaningful clinically.

Q2: What are normal ALC values?
A: Normal range is typically 1,500-4,000 cells/μL, but varies by age and laboratory standards.

Q3: When is ALC particularly important?
A: Crucial for monitoring chemotherapy patients (neutropenia), HIV patients (CD4 counts), and evaluating infections.

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: Accuracy depends on precise total WBC count and differential. Manual differentials may have higher variability than automated counts.

Q5: How often should ALC be monitored?
A: Frequency depends on clinical context - daily for hospitalized patients, weekly for chemotherapy, less often for stable outpatients.