Hb, TLC, DLC & Platelets Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Hb, TLC, DLC & Platelets Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Haemogram basic, Hb, TLC, DLC, platelet count, CBC mini, blood routine test |
| Sample Type | Whole blood (collected in an EDTA tube, a special tube that prevents clotting) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | Within 1 day |
| Recommended For | All genders, ages 7 years and above |
| Price | Starting at ₹280 |
What Is a Hb, TLC, DLC & Platelets Test?
The Hb, TLC, DLC & platelets test is a basic blood test that checks four key components of your blood. It measures haemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells), total and differential white blood cell counts, and platelet count. It is also known as haemogram basic or CBC mini test. Doctors prescribe this test to get a quick picture of your overall health or to investigate symptoms such as fatigue, fever, or frequent infections. A small sample of whole blood, drawn from a vein in your arm, is all that is needed.
What Does a Hb, TLC, DLC & Platelets Test Measure?
The Hb, TLC, DLC & Platelets Test procedure analyses four distinct components of your blood. Here is what each one tells your doctor:
| Component | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Haemoglobin (Hb) | An iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. |
| Total Leucocyte Count (TLC) | The total number of white blood cells, which defend the body against infections and disease. |
| Differential Leucocyte Count (DLC) | The percentage of each type of white blood cell: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. |
| Platelet Count | The number of platelets (thrombocytes) in the blood, which help clot the blood and stop bleeding. |
Why Is a Hb, TLC, DLC & Platelets Test Done?
A doctor may order this test for routine health screening or to investigate specific symptoms. The results help assess immune function, oxygen delivery, and the blood's ability to clot.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Unexplained fever
- Frequent or recurring infections
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Unintended weight loss
- Night sweats
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
- Anaemia (low haemoglobin, meaning reduced oxygen-carrying capacity).
- Iron deficiency and thalassaemia
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Leukaemia (blood cancer) and lymphoma.
- Autoimmune and bone marrow disorders.
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) or thrombocytosis (high platelet count).
- Sickle cell disease
Hb, TLC, DLC & Platelets Test During Pregnancy
This test is a routine part of prenatal care. It helps monitor haemoglobin levels, which often fall during pregnancy due to increased blood volume. Doctors also use the white blood cell count to track the mother's immune health. During pregnancy, a haemoglobin reading as low as 10 g/dL may still be considered acceptable due to normal physiological changes.
Hb, TLC, DLC & Platelets Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For people managing long-term conditions such as anaemia, blood cancers, or immune disorders, this test is a useful monitoring tool. It helps doctors track how well a treatment is working and detect any changes in blood cell counts over time. Patients undergoing chemotherapy may also have this test done regularly to monitor the effects of treatment on the blood.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test. Here is what to keep in mind before and during your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No. Fasting is not required before the Hb, TLC, DLC & platelets test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your test. If your doctor has ordered additional tests alongside this one, check with them separately, as those tests may have their own fasting requirements.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, any previous test results, and your family history, as this is required for the test.
- Inform the technician about any prescription or over-the-counter medicines you are currently taking.
- Drink adequate water before your appointment to keep veins accessible.
- Wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting top for easy access to your arm.
- Let the technician know if you have a history of feeling faint during blood draws.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A trained phlebotomist cleans a small area on your arm with an antiseptic wipe.
- A thin needle is gently inserted into a vein, usually in the inner elbow.
- About 2 mL of blood is drawn into a lavender-capped EDTA tube.
- You may feel a brief, mild sting when the needle enters; most people find it very manageable.
- The needle is removed and a small bandage or cotton pad is placed on the site.
- The sample is labelled, stored under refrigeration, and sent to the laboratory for microscopic analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Recent strenuous physical activity
- Dehydration at the time of sample collection.
- Ongoing medications such as steroids, antibiotics, or chemotherapy drugs.
- Active menstrual bleeding, which may temporarily lower haemoglobin readings.
- Recent infections or inflammatory conditions.
Understanding Your Hb, TLC, DLC & Platelets Results
Your results should always be reviewed with your doctor, who will consider them in the context of your symptoms and health history. The table below shows general reference ranges for adults.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Haemoglobin (males) | 13 to 18 | g/dL |
| Haemoglobin (females, non-pregnant) | 12 to 16 | g/dL |
| Haemoglobin (pregnancy) | 10 to 16 | g/dL |
| Total Leucocyte Count (TLC) | 4,000 to 11,000 | cells/µL |
| Neutrophils | 40 to 60 | % |
| Lymphocytes | 20 to 40 | % |
| Monocytes | 2 to 8 | % |
| Eosinophils | 1 to 4 | % |
| Basophils | 0.5 to 1 | % |
| Platelet Count | 150,000 to 400,000 | platelets/µL |
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
- During pregnancy, physiological expansion of blood volume can lower haemoglobin; a reading of 10 g/dL or above may be acceptable.
- Heavy menstrual bleeding may temporarily reduce haemoglobin and red blood cell levels, which can appear similar to mild anaemia.
- Medications such as steroids, certain antibiotics, and chemotherapy drugs can raise or lower platelet and white cell counts.
- Chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus may elevate neutrophil levels even without an active infection.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
- Eat a balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods (such as leafy greens and lentils), vitamin B12 (found in eggs, dairy, and meat), and folate (found in beans and citrus fruits).
- Stay well hydrated throughout the day to support normal blood volume.
- Limit excessive alcohol consumption, as it can interfere with blood cell production.
Lupin Diagnostics Hb, TLC, DLC & Platelets Price and Home Collection
The Hb, TLC, DLC & platelets test is priced at ₹280 at Lupin Diagnostics, with home collection available across major cities in India. The table below shows indicative prices by city.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 200 |
| CHENNAI | 280 |
| HYDERABAD | 280 |
| KOLKATA | 280 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 280 |
| PUNE | 280 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your Hb, TLC, DLC & platelets test online is simple:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 1 day.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers Hb, TLC, DLC & platelets test home collection across cities in India, making it easy to get tested without visiting a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by qualified technologists. Your digital report is delivered directly to you within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a basic blood test that checks haemoglobin levels, white blood cell counts, and platelet count. Doctors use it to screen for conditions such as anaemia, infections, and blood disorders, and to monitor the effects of ongoing treatments.
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink as usual before your sample is collected. If your doctor has requested other tests at the same time, check with them in case any of those require fasting.
Results are typically ready within 1 day of sample collection. Lupin Diagnostics delivers reports digitally via email or WhatsApp.
Yes. An elevated total leucocyte count (TLC) can point to an active infection. The differential leucocyte count (DLC) helps narrow this down further, indicating whether the cause is more likely to be bacterial or viral based on which white blood cell type is raised.
Yes. It is a routine part of prenatal care and carries no risk to the baby and very little risk to the mother. Haemoglobin is closely monitored in pregnancy, and reference ranges are adjusted to account for normal physiological changes.
Bring a detailed clinical history, including your current symptoms, any previous test reports, and relevant family history. This is required for accurate interpretation of your results. Also inform the technician of any medications you are taking.
An abnormal result does not always point to a serious condition. Your doctor will consider your symptoms, clinical history, and, if needed, order follow-up tests before drawing any conclusions.
Hb, TLC, DLC & Platelets Test: Booking, Price, and Results
