1. What is Absolute Lymphocyte Count (ALC)?

The Absolute Lymphocyte Count (ALC) is a measurement of the number of lymphocyte cells in the blood. It's calculated by multiplying the white blood cell count (WBC) by the percentage of lymphocytes.

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 differential count

Explanation: The formula converts the percentage of lymphocytes into an absolute count by multiplying it with the total white blood cell count.

3. Importance of ALC Calculation

Details: ALC is important for evaluating immune function, diagnosing lymphopenia or lymphocytosis, and monitoring conditions like HIV/AIDS, autoimmune diseases, and certain cancers.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter WBC count in cells/μL and lymphocyte percentage (without % sign). Both values must be positive numbers (WBC > 0, Lymph % between 0-100).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: What causes low ALC (lymphopenia)?
A: Causes include viral infections, autoimmune disorders, malnutrition, chemotherapy, and certain medications.

Q3: What causes high ALC (lymphocytosis)?
A: Causes include viral infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, and certain leukemias or lymphomas.

Q4: How often should ALC be monitored?
A: Frequency depends on the clinical situation - from daily in hospitalized patients to annually in routine checkups.

Q5: Are there limitations to ALC calculation?
A: ALC doesn't differentiate lymphocyte subsets (T cells, B cells, NK cells) which may be important in certain conditions.