Complete Blood Count with Differential (CBC with Differential)
This test measures the types and counts of cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, along with the proportions of different white blood cell types.
["A CBC helps doctors assess your overall health, detect infections, anemia, or blood disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 6292-7
- Short code
- Comp DAF RBC Ql
- Synonyms
- Comp DAF RBC Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- 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
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does a CBC With Differential Measure?
A CBC with differential evaluates several key components: Red blood cells (RBCs) provide oxygen to tissues; white blood cells (WBCs) fight infections and inflammation; and platelets help with blood clotting. The differential count breaks down WBCs into subtypes (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils) to identify specific health concerns.
Why Might Your Doctor Order This Test?
Doctors may request a CBC with differential to diagnose or monitor conditions like infections, anemia, blood cancers (e.g., leukemia), autoimmune diseases, or to check for signs of bleeding disorders or organ dysfunction.
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 using automated technology.
What Are Common Results and Their Implications?
Abnormal counts (e.g., high or low WBCs, RBCs, or platelets) may signal infections, diseases, or other health issues. For example, low RBCs might indicate anemia, while high WBCs could suggest infection or inflammation. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
CBC with Differential
Frequently asked questions
How often should I expect this test to be repeated?
What do my absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) mean?
Can I prepare for this test differently based on my age or health?
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