Lymphocytes
What it measures, and what changes the number.
Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that includes T cells, B cells and natural killer cells, all central to the immune system. This line reports the absolute lymphocyte count: the number of lymphocytes in a given volume of blood, usually from an automated analyzer.
It is part of the complete blood count with differential, so it is read with the total white blood cell count, the lymphocyte percentage and the other white cell types. The absolute count is the total white count multiplied by the lymphocyte percentage, so the two lines move together.
The sample is drawn into an EDTA tube and does not require fasting. Lymphocyte counts vary over the day, partly following the daily cortisol rhythm, and recent strenuous exercise or acute stress can shift them. Labs may print it as Limfòcits absolut or Linfocitos.
Often read alongside: White blood cells, Lymphocytes %, Neutrophils, Monocytes, Eosinophils