Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential
This test measures the types and counts of cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It helps assess overall health, detect infections, anemia, or blood disorders.
["A CBC with differential provides critical insights into your blood’s health and can help identify common issues like infections, bleeding disorders, or anemia."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 4504-7
- Short code
- C4dRBC
- Synonyms
- C4d EntNum RBC
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- EDTA (lavender-top) tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Flow cytometry
- CPT
- 86160
- SNOMED
- 122491008
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL whole blood
- Stability
- Stable for 24 hours at room temperature (20-25°C); analyze within 48 hours if refrigerated at 2-8°C
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does a CBC with Differential Measure?
Your blood contains several key components: red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. This test breaks down each category further. Red blood cells carry oxygen; white blood cells fight infections; and platelets help with clotting. The differential counts specific types of white blood cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils) to detect immune responses or disorders.
Why Might You Need This Test?
A CBC with differential is often ordered to diagnose or monitor conditions like anemia, infections, blood clotting problems, or cancer. It can also be used during pregnancy, before surgeries, or if you have symptoms like fatigue, frequent infections, or easy bruising.
What Can Abnormal Results Indicate?
Low red blood cell counts may suggest anemia, while high counts could indicate conditions like polycythemia. Low platelet counts might point to bleeding disorders, while high platelet counts could signal clotting issues. Abnormal white blood cell counts can signal infections, inflammation, or autoimmune disorders.
How Is This Test Performed?
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is then analyzed in a lab to count and identify the different blood cell types. Results are typically available within 24 hours.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special patient preparation required. Inform the laboratory of any recent blood transfusions, as this may affect interpretation of results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: A CBC with Differential is a foundational test that helps diagnose and manage a wide range of health conditions. It provides a snapshot of your blood’s composition, which can reveal underlying issues like infections, anemia, or immune system dysfunction. For example, a low white blood cell count might indicate an immune deficiency, while elevated levels could signal chronic inflammation or infection. This test is also critical in monitoring treatments for blood disorders or cancers, ensuring that medications are working as intended.
Short name
CBC with Differential
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get the results of this test?
What do I need to do before or after the blood draw?
Can I take this test at home?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy