Differential Leucocyte Count (DLC) Test in Kathmandu

About this test

The Differential Leucocyte Count breaks the white blood cells down into their five working types and reports the proportion of each: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. Where a total white-cell count only tells your doctor how many soldiers are on the field, the DLC tells which kind of battle the body is fighting. A rise in neutrophils typically points to a bacterial infection, an abscess or recent tissue injury; a rise in lymphocytes usually signals a viral illness such as influenza or a glandular fever-type picture, and is also seen in whooping cough and chronic infections. Eosinophils climb with allergy, asthma and — very importantly in Nepal — intestinal worms and other parasitic infestations, which remain common across both rural and urban households. Monocytes often increase in tuberculosis and other long-standing infections, a relevant pointer given Nepal's high TB burden, while basophils, though rarely altered, matter in certain allergic and blood disorders. The laboratory may also flag immature or abnormal cells, prompting a manual blood-film review when a serious marrow problem or leukaemia is suspected. Doctors order a DLC when someone has unexplained fever, a persistent cough, recurrent infections, suspected allergy or worm infestation, or to follow the response to treatment. It is almost always read together with the total white-cell count, haemoglobin and platelets from a full blood count, and interpreted alongside your symptoms rather than in isolation, since percentages and absolute numbers can each tell a slightly different part of the story.

Sample type

Whole blood (EDTA)

Preparation

No fasting required. Drink water normally before the sample is taken. If you have started antibiotics or steroids recently, please mention it, as these can shift the cell percentages.

Turnaround time

Reports for Differential Leucocyte Count (DLC) are typically ready within: Same Day. Reports can be collected at the clinic during opening hours or shared via WhatsApp once they are ready.

Also known as

Other hematology tests we run

These are routinely ordered alongside Differential Leucocyte Count (DLC) or as part of the same diagnostic workup.

How to book

WhatsApp is the fastest way — message us with the test name and your preferred time, and we'll confirm a slot the same day. You can also walk into the clinic at Rumba Chowk, Sanobharang any day between 7AM and 8PM, or fill in our online booking form.