Cell count in peripheral blood with differential (absolute neutrophil count)
This test measures the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in your blood. Neutrophils help fight infections and inflammation.
["Neutrophils are key defenders against bacterial infections; low or high levels may signal health concerns."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17210-6
- Short code
- CD95
- Synonyms
- CD95 Cells NFr Bld
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- EDTA (lavender/purple-top) tube for flow cytometry analysis. Sodium heparin (green-top) tube is an acceptable alternative.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 15
- Ref high
- 60
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 1–99 years
- Method
- Flow cytometry using fluorescently labeled monoclonal antibodies targeting the CD95 (Fas/APO-1) surface antigen. Cells are stained with anti-CD95 antibodies and analyzed on a flow cytometer to determine the percentage and absolute count of CD95-expressing cells (primarily lymphocytes).
- CPT
- 86356
- SNOMED
- 399315005
- Specimen volume
- 3-5 mL of whole blood (minimum 1 mL for pediatric samples). Volume requirements may vary by laboratory.
- Stability
- Specimen should be processed within 24 hours of collection when stored at room temperature (18-25°C). If processing is delayed beyond 24 hours, store at 2-8°C and process within 48 hours. Do not freeze whole blood samples.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 500
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is a Neutrophil?
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that play a critical role in your body’s immune response. They are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are primarily responsible for combating bacterial infections. When your body detects bacteria, neutrophils rush to the site to destroy them.
Why Might Your Doctor Order This Test?
Your doctor may order an absolute neutrophil count test to diagnose or monitor conditions like infections (especially bacterial), certain cancers (e.g., leukemia), autoimmune diseases, or to assess how your body responds to treatments like chemotherapy.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small sample of your blood is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is then analyzed in a lab to count the number of neutrophils and other white blood cell types.
What Do Results Mean?
Results are typically reported as a count of neutrophils per microliter (µL) of blood. A lower than normal count may indicate an increased risk of infections, while a higher count could suggest inflammation, infection, or other conditions.
Reference range
Reference values vary by laboratory and methodology. Generally, CD95 expression is assessed as percentage of positive cells among total lymphocytes or as mean fluorescence intensity (MFI). Typical reference range for CD95+ lymphocytes in healthy adults is approximately 15-60% of lymphocytes. Absolute counts vary with total lymphocyte count.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Fasting is not necessary. Patients should be well-hydrated. Recent immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or immunosuppressive therapy may affect results and should be documented.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need this test?
What are normal neutrophil levels?
What happens if my neutrophil count is low?
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy