What is absolute lymphocyte?

Absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) measures the total number of lymphocytes per volume of blood. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that play an important role in the body's immune system. There are three main types of lymphocytes:

* B cells produce antibodies that help the body fight infection.

* T cells help to kill infected cells and cancer cells.

* Natural killer (NK) cells help to kill virus-infected cells and cancer cells.

ALC is important in diagnosing and monitoring a variety of health conditions, including:

* Immune system disorders: ALC can be high or low in people with immune system disorders, such as HIV/AIDS, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

* Infections: ALC can be high in people with infections, such as flu, measles, and whooping cough.

* Cancer: ALC can be high or low in people with cancer.

* Medications: Some medications can cause ALC to fluctuate.

ALC is typically measured as part of a routine blood test. It is an important part of overall health and well-being and can be a valuable tool in diagnosing and monitoring a variety of medical conditions.