Complete Blood Count with Platelet Differential and Morphology from Whole Blood
This test measures your blood’s overall health, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, along with the detailed breakdown of your white blood cell types and their shapes.
["It helps diagnose and monitor conditions affecting your blood and immune system."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 24359-2
- Short code
- CBC WO platelets W man diff Bld
- Synonyms
- CBC WO platelets W man diff Bld
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 150
- Ref high
- 400
- Critical range
- 50 N/A – 1000 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85049
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003003
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does the CBC Test Measure?
The CBC evaluates several key components: Red blood cells (RBCs) for oxygen-carrying capacity, white blood cells (WBCs) for immune function, and platelets for blood clotting. The platelet differential identifies the types of white blood cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils) and their shapes, which can indicate infections, inflammation, or other conditions.
Why Might You Need This Test?
A CBC with platelet differential is often ordered to check for anemia, infections, bleeding disorders, or immune system issues. It may also be used during pregnancy, before surgery, or to monitor chronic conditions like leukemia or lupus.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then analyzed in a lab to count and examine the cells and their characteristics. The platelet differential involves classifying white blood cells based on their appearance under a microscope.
What Could Abnormal Results Mean?
Low RBCs or hemoglobin may signal anemia, while high or low WBC counts could indicate infections, inflammation, or autoimmune disorders. Abnormal platelet counts may suggest bleeding risks or clotting disorders. A differential helps pinpoint which white blood cell types are elevated or reduced, guiding further diagnosis.
Reference range
Adult: 150-400 x 10^9/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance of this test includes early detection of blood disorders, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and guiding decisions for conditions like cancer, infections, or autoimmune diseases. It’s a foundational test in routine health checks and emergency evaluations.
Short name
CBC with Platelet Diff
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
What are the common reasons doctors order this test?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy