White Blood Cell Differential Count (Peripheral Blood)
This test measures the types and proportions of white blood cells in your blood, which helps identify infections, immune responses, or other conditions affecting your blood.
["Understanding your white blood cell types can reveal clues about your health status."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 59145-3
- Short code
- CD11cCD103
- Synonyms
- CD11c+CD103+ Cells # Bld
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- EDTA (lavender-top) or heparinized (green-top) blood collection tube suitable for flow cytometry
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 1–99 years
- Method
- Flow cytometry immunophenotyping using fluorescently labeled monoclonal antibodies against CD11c and CD103 surface markers, with absolute count determination using counting beads or volumetric acquisition
- CPT
- 88184
- SNOMED
- 444080008
- Specimen volume
- 3-5 mL of whole blood; minimum 1 mL required for pediatric samples
- Stability
- Process within 24-48 hours of collection when stored at room temperature (18-25°C); do not refrigerate as this may affect cell viability and marker expression
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors may order a white blood cell differential to diagnose or monitor conditions such as infections (like bacterial or viral), autoimmune diseases, blood disorders, or reactions to treatments. It can also help assess how well your immune system is functioning or detect abnormalities in blood cell production.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw a blood sample. If you’re on blood thinners or have a history of bleeding issues, let your healthcare provider know.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare professional will take a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood is then sent to a lab, where it is examined under a microscope to count and identify the different types of white blood cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils).
What the Results Mean
Your results will show the percentage and absolute count of each type of white blood cell. Abnormal levels can indicate infections, allergies, inflammation, or other health concerns. Your doctor will interpret these results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Reference range
Reference ranges vary by laboratory; CD11c+CD103+ cells are a minor dendritic cell subset typically reported as cells per microliter (cells/μL) or 10^6/L. Consult laboratory-specific reference range.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Inform provider of recent immunosuppressive therapy, immunomodulatory medications, or acute illness as these may affect results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
WBC Differential
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
Will I feel any pain or discomfort?
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