Conversion of Absolute Lymphocyte Count

Explanation of the Conversion

• 1 × 10^9/L equals 1,000 cells/μL, and therefore, 1.7 × 10^9/L equals 1,700 cells/μL 1, 2
• The conversion factor of 1 × 10^9/L = 1,000 cells/μL is standard across hematology laboratories 2

Reporting Standards

• ALC should be reported as both a percentage of total lymphocytes and as an absolute count when available, according to the MMWR Recommendations and Reports 2
• Values can be expressed in either 10^9/L (SI units) or cells/μL (conventional units), as recommended by the MMWR Recommendations and Reports 1, 2

Clinical Context of Absolute Lymphocyte Count

• In COVID-19 patients, lymphopenia (decreased ALC) is a common finding, with values often below 0.8 × 10^9/L (800 cells/μL) 3
• Normal ALC typically ranges between 1.0-4.0 × 10^9/L (1,000-4,000 cells/μL), according to the Military Medical Research 3