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Lymphocyte Count (Absolute)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the number of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections and supports immune function.

Quick summary

["Lymphocytes help protect your body against illness and infection."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
26478-8
Short code
Lymphocytes NFr Bld
Synonyms
Lymphocytes NFr Bld
Category
chemistry
Sample
whole-blood
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
3 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Doctors may order a lymphocyte count to check for immune system issues, monitor conditions like infections, cancers (e.g., lymphoma), or autoimmune diseases, or evaluate responses to treatments. It can also help diagnose or monitor conditions affecting white blood cells.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You may have a simple blood draw, often done in a doctor’s office or lab. Tell your healthcare provider about any medications or conditions that could affect results.

What the Test Results Mean

Results are usually reported as a count of lymphocytes per microliter (µL) of blood. While reference ranges vary by lab, lower than expected counts may signal immune suppression, while higher counts could indicate infection, inflammation, or certain diseases.

Common Conditions Affecting Results

Low lymphocyte counts may be linked to conditions like HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, or severe infections. High counts can occur with chronic infections, certain cancers, or overactive immune responses.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance: Lymphocyte Counts Play a Key Role in Diagnosing and Managing Immune-Related Conditions

Short name

Lymphocyte Count

Frequently asked questions

What causes a lymphocyte count to be abnormally low?
Abnormally low lymphocyte counts can result from immune suppression (e.g., HIV, chemotherapy), chronic illnesses, or certain medications. It may also appear in people with autoimmune diseases or those who have had recent infections.
What does it mean if my lymphocyte count is high?
Elevated lymphocyte counts often signal chronic infections, certain cancers (like lymphoma), or overactive immune responses. In some cases, it may also be a normal variation or linked to conditions like leukemia or autoimmune disorders.
Can lifestyle or diet affect lymphocyte counts?
While diet and lifestyle factors (like stress or poor sleep) can influence immune function indirectly, they rarely cause significant changes in lymphocyte counts alone. Maintaining a balanced diet and good health supports overall immune health.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy