Hb, TLC, DLC, ESR Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Hb, TLC, DLC, ESR Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Hb TC DC ESR, Haemoglobin TLC DLC ESR, Blood Routine Examination |
| Sample Type | Whole blood (collected in an EDTA tube, a special anticoagulant tube that prevents clotting) |
| Fasting Required | No, fasting is generally not required; avoid a very heavy meal immediately before collection |
| Report Time | Within 1 day |
| Recommended For | All age groups, both male and female |
| Price | Starting at ₹450 |
What is an Hb, TLC, DLC, ESR Test?
The Hb, TLC, DLC, ESR test is a combination blood panel that checks four key parameters in a single sample. It measures haemoglobin levels, total and differential white blood cell counts, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (a marker of inflammation). Doctors prescribe this test to get a broad overview of a patient's blood health, immune function, and inflammatory status. A small sample of venous blood collected from a vein in the arm is required for the test.
What Does an Hb, TLC, DLC, ESR Test Measure?
This panel covers four distinct components, each offering a different window into your health. Here is what each parameter measures:
| Parameter | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Haemoglobin (Hb) | An iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Low levels point to anaemia. |
| Total Leucocyte Count (TLC) | The total number of white blood cells per microlitre of blood. Raised or lowered counts can signal infection, inflammation, or bone marrow problems. |
| Differential Leucocyte Count (DLC) | Breaks down the five types of white blood cells: neutrophils (fight bacterial infections), lymphocytes (fight viral infections), monocytes (clear cell debris), eosinophils (respond to allergies and parasites), and basophils (involved in allergic reactions). |
| Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) | Measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a tube over one hour. A faster rate suggests inflammation somewhere in the body. |
Why is an Hb, TLC, DLC, ESR Test Done?
This panel is one of the most commonly ordered tests in routine practice. It helps doctors investigate a wide range of symptoms and track ongoing conditions.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may order the Hb, TLC, DLC, ESR test when a patient presents with any of the following symptoms:
- Persistent or unexplained fever
- Unusual tiredness or prolonged weakness
- Frequent or recurrent infections
- Unexplained weight loss
- Joint pain or swelling
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Shortness of breath or dizziness
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The test can support the diagnosis or monitoring of several conditions. These include:
- Anaemia (iron-deficiency, vitamin-deficiency, or chronic disease-related)
- Bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal infections
- Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease
- Inflammatory conditions including temporal arteritis
- Leukaemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers
- Bone marrow disorders affecting blood cell production
- Allergic conditions (indicated by raised eosinophil counts)
Hb, TLC, DLC, ESR Test During Pregnancy
This panel is part of standard prenatal screening at each trimester. During pregnancy, the natural increase in blood plasma volume lowers haemoglobin levels, making Hb monitoring essential to detect anaemia early. ESR also rises naturally during pregnancy due to increased fibrinogen and plasma volume, and TLC may show a mild physiological increase. Your doctor will interpret results against pregnancy-adjusted reference values.
Hb, TLC, DLC, ESR Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For patients with chronic inflammatory or autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, temporal arteritis, or polymyalgia rheumatica, ESR is a useful tool for tracking disease activity over time.
Haemoglobin and white blood cell counts are also monitored regularly in patients undergoing chemotherapy or treatment for immune system disorders. Doctors typically repeat this test every one to three months in such cases to assess the response to treatment.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is required for the Hb, TLC, DLC, ESR test procedure. However, a few simple steps can help ensure a smooth experience.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before this test. You can eat and drink normally beforehand. It is advisable to avoid a very heavy or fatty meal immediately before the collection. If your doctor has ordered additional tests alongside this one, some of those may require fasting, so confirm with your doctor when booking.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Following these simple steps will help make the collection easier and improve accuracy:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and any ongoing treatments, as this is required for the test.
- Stay well hydrated before your appointment to make blood drawing easier.
- Inform the phlebotomist about any medications, supplements, or treatments you are currently taking, as some can affect results.
- Avoid strenuous exercise just before the test, as physical exertion can temporarily raise white blood cell counts.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing with sleeves that can be easily rolled up.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what happens during the Hb, TLC, DLC, ESR test procedure:
- You will be seated comfortably. The phlebotomist (a trained blood collection professional) will identify a suitable vein, usually on the inner side of your arm.
- An elastic band (tourniquet) is tied around the upper arm to make the vein more visible and accessible.
- The skin is cleaned with an antiseptic swab to reduce any risk of infection.
- A small needle is gently inserted into the vein, and approximately 2 ml of blood is drawn into an EDTA tube.
- The needle is withdrawn, and a cotton pad or small bandage is placed over the puncture site. The entire process takes only a few minutes.
- The labelled sample is stored appropriately and dispatched to the laboratory for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence your results. Being aware of these helps your doctor interpret findings correctly:
- Medications such as steroids, anticoagulants, and oral contraceptives
- Pregnancy, menstrual cycle, obesity, or regular alcohol consumption, all of which can affect ESR
- Dehydration, which can concentrate the blood and affect counts
- Recent strenuous physical exercise, which temporarily raises white blood cell counts
Understanding Your Hb, TLC, DLC, ESR Test Results
Your results show how each parameter compares to established reference ranges. The table below provides general reference values for adults.
| Parameter | Reference Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Haemoglobin (Men) | 13 to 18 | g/dL |
| Haemoglobin (Women) | 12 to 16 | g/dL |
| Total Leucocyte Count (TLC) | 4,500 to 11,000 | cells/µL |
| Neutrophils | 40 to 60 | % of WBC |
| Lymphocytes | 20 to 40 | % of WBC |
| Monocytes | 2 to 8 | % of WBC |
| Eosinophils | 1 to 4 | % of WBC |
| Basophils | 0.5 to 1 | % of WBC |
| ESR (Males) | 0 to 15 (up to 20 in older adults) | mm/hr |
| ESR (Females) | 0 to 20 (up to 30 in older adults) | mm/hr |
Disclaimer: These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain conditions can alter what your results mean. Your doctor will take these into account:
- During pregnancy, haemoglobin values are naturally lower due to haemodilution. ESR also rises, and TLC may show a mild increase. These are expected physiological changes and do not automatically indicate disease.
- In chronic kidney disease, ESR may be elevated even in the absence of active infection or inflammation.
- In obesity, ESR is often mildly elevated due to low-grade systemic inflammation.
- Anaemia itself can cause a falsely elevated ESR because red blood cells settle faster when their count is reduced.
- Steroids, oral contraceptives, and anti-inflammatory medicines can alter both white blood cell counts and ESR values.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness habits support healthy blood parameters:
- Eat a balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods (such as leafy greens and lentils), vitamin B12, and folate to support haemoglobin production.
- Stay physically active and manage stress, as both support immune function and help keep inflammation low.
- Attend regular health check-ups and share your complete medical history with your doctor for accurate interpretation of results.
Lupin Diagnostics Hb, TLC, DLC, ESR Test Price and Home Collection
The Hb, TLC, DLC, ESR test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹450, and home sample collection is available across cities. The table below shows approximate prices in major Indian cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 250 |
| CHENNAI | 390 |
| HYDERABAD | 450 |
| KOLKATA | 300 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 450 |
| PUNE | 300 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking the Hb, TLC, DLC, ESR test online at Lupin Diagnostics is straightforward:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for Hb, TLC, DLC, ESR test home collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Hb, TLC, DLC, ESR test home collection is available across cities through Lupin Diagnostics. A certified phlebotomist visits your home at your chosen time to collect the blood sample. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and reports are delivered digitally within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Hb, TLC, DLC, ESR test is used to assess haemoglobin levels, white blood cell counts, and inflammation in the body. Doctors order it to investigate symptoms such as fatigue, fever, or joint pain, and to monitor chronic conditions or treatment response.
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink normally before the test. If your doctor has requested other tests alongside this one, check whether those require fasting.
A trained phlebotomist draws a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. The process takes only a few minutes and causes minimal discomfort. The sample is collected in an EDTA tube to prevent clotting.
A high ESR indicates that inflammation may be present somewhere in the body. It is not specific to one disease and may be raised due to infections, autoimmune conditions, certain cancers, or physiological states such as pregnancy. Your doctor will order further investigations to identify the underlying cause.
Yes. The TLC component measures the total white blood cell count, which often rises during an active infection. The DLC further identifies the type: raised neutrophils typically point to bacterial infection, raised lymphocytes to viral infection, and raised eosinophils may be associated with allergic disorders, parasitic infections, and certain inflammatory conditions.
For routine health screening, once or twice a year is generally sufficient. If you have a chronic condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or are undergoing chemotherapy, your doctor may recommend repeating the test every one to three months to monitor your response to treatment.
Hb, TLC, DLC, ESR Test: Booking, Price, and Results
