TLC Test: Price, Purpose, Results, Procedure, & Normal Range
TLC stands for Total Leukocyte Count, which is a blood test that measures the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) present in the blood. White blood cells play an important role in the body’s immune system, helping to fight infections and diseases. The TLC blood test is a routine test that is often included in a complete blood count (CBC), which is a panel of tests used to evaluate a person’s overall health.
Abnormalities in TLC levels can indicate various medical conditions, such as infections, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and certain types of cancers. Therefore, the TLC blood test is often used to diagnose and monitor these conditions, as well as to assess the effectiveness of treatment. The price range of TLC Blood test is usually between Rs 60 to Rs 252.
Your doctor may recommend a TLC Test because of the following reasons-
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Night sweats
- Unexpected weight loss
- Rash

TLC Blood Test Details in Brief
| Also Known As | White blood cell count (WBC), Leukocyte count, Total white blood cell count (TWBC), White count, Leukogram. |
| Purpose | To measure the number of white blood cells in a person’s blood. |
| Preparation | No special preparation required. |
| Fasting | No |
| Reporting Time | 8 to 24 Hrs. |
| Cost | Rs. 60 to Rs. 252 |
Price
TLC Test Price usually ranges from Rs 60 to Rs 252. The actual price depends on the diagnostic center and the city. Bookmerilab partners with more than 200 diagnostic centers across India. We provide a 10-50% discount on medical diagnostic tests.
Prices at Popular diagnostic centres
The table below lists the prices at some of the popular diagnostic centres.
| Name of Lab | Test Price |
|---|---|
| Redcliffe Labs | Rs 77 |
| Janta X-Ray | Rs 72 |
| City X-Ray | Rs 75 |
| Prognosis Laboratories | Rs 60 |
| Bharat X-Ray | Rs 65 |
| Mahajan Imaging | Rs 120 |
| Dr Lal path labs | Rs 110 |
| Aarthi Scans | Rs 75 |
Cost in different cities
The test cost depends upon the one recommended by your healthcare professional. The cost varies depending on the lab and the city.
| City | Test Price |
|---|---|
| TLC Test Price in Delhi | Rs 60 to Rs 144 |
| TLC Test Price in Mumbai | Rs 77 to Rs 180 |
| TLC Test Price in Bangalore | Rs 77 to Rs 117 |
| TLC Test Price in Hyderabad | Rs 77 to Rs 252 |
| TLC Test Price in Gurgaon | Rs 77 to Rs 148 |
| TLC Test Price in Chennai | Rs 75 to Rs 110 |
| TLC Test Price in Kolkata | Rs 77 to Rs 117 |
Purpose
- To check for infections: A TLC blood test can help to identify if you have an infection by counting the number of white blood cells in your body.
- To monitor certain conditions: A TLC blood test may be ordered periodically to monitor the progression of medical conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, and autoimmune disorders and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
- To assess overall health: A TLC blood test is a routine blood test that is often performed as part of a general health check-up. The results can help to identify any potential underlying health issues that may require further investigation.
- To monitor the effects of medication: Certain medications can affect white blood cell counts.
- To evaluate bone marrow function: White blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. A TLC blood test may be ordered to evaluate the function of the bone marrow in individuals who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or for those with suspected bone marrow disorders.
Preparation
- No fasting required
- Inform your doctor of any medications
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Drink plenty of water before the test to make it easier to draw blood.
- Inform your doctor of any allergies
Procedure
It is a fairly simple diagnostic blood test. Below are the steps to draw a blood sample from the vein in your arm or hand-
- A technician (phlebotomist) may tie a tourniquet (elastic band) to your arm.
- The phlebotomist will locate your blood vessel.
- Then the site is cleaned with spirit.
- A Needle is inserted into your vein to draw the blood.
- The blood sample is then withdrawn into a syringe or a vial.
- Cotton is placed on the puncture site with mild pressure till the bleeding stops.
- A small band-aid is then placed, which may be removed after an hour.
The entire procedure takes only a few minutes.

Risk
It is a very simple and safe test. The risks involved are the same as that of any other blood test. These include-
- Infection at the puncture site if proper sterilization protocol is not followed and the needle is contaminated. This is, however, very rare. You may ensure that your phlebotomist takes out the needle in front of you from a sterile pack.
- Multiple pricks if the blood vessel is not easily found
- Excessive bleeding at the puncture site- Please inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any blood thinners or have any bleeding disorders.
- Light-headedness due to stress or heavy bleeding.
Minor pain and bruising that might occur will resolve on their own in a very short time.
Result
- Normal range: The normal range of total leukocyte count varies depending on the laboratory and age group. Generally, a total leukocyte count between 4,000 to 11,000 cells/microliter is considered normal.
- Increased count (leukocytosis): An increased total leukocyte count may indicate the presence of an infection, inflammation, or an allergic reaction. Other possible causes include leukemia or other blood disorders.
- Decreased count (leukopenia): A decreased total leukocyte count may indicate a weakened immune system due to an underlying condition or the side effects of certain medications such as chemotherapy.
| Range | Total Leukocyte Count | Units |
| Normal | 4,000 – 11,000 | cells/microliter or cells/cubic millimeter (mm3) |
| Increased(Leukocytosis) | <11000 | cells/microliter or cells/cubic millimeter (mm3) |
| Decreased(Leukopenia) | >4000 | cells/microliter or cells/cubic millimeter (mm3) |
Limitations
- False positive results: An increased white blood cell count on a TLC blood test does not always indicate an underlying health condition. Stress, exercise, and certain medications can cause a temporary increase in white blood cells, leading to false positive results.
- False negative results: A normal white blood cell count on a TLC blood test does not always mean that an underlying health condition is absent. Some conditions, such as chronic infections, may not cause an increase in white blood cells, leading to false negative results.
- Interference from certain medications: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids and chemotherapy drugs, can affect white blood cell counts, leading to inaccurate test results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a TLC blood test is a routine blood test that is used to evaluate the number of white blood cells in the body. The test is often ordered to help diagnose and monitor conditions such as infections, autoimmune disorders, and certain types of cancer.
However, it is important to note that a TLC blood test alone cannot diagnose a specific disease or condition, and should be used in combination with other diagnostic tests and medical evaluations. If you have any concerns about your white blood cell count or overall health, consult with your healthcare provider.
FAQs
A TLC blood test is a simple blood draw where a healthcare professional collects a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm.
A TLC blood test is done to check for infections, allergies, and other medical conditions that can affect the number of white blood cells in the blood
There is very little risk associated with a TLC blood test. However, some people may experience mild bruising or soreness at the site where the needle was inserted.
Generally, no special preparation is needed for a TLC blood test. However, it is advisable to inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking.
The normal range of TLC in adults is 4,000 to 11,000 cells per cubic millimeter (mm3) of blood.
Generally, the results of a TLC blood test are available within a day or two, depending on the laboratory performing the test.
