Complete Blood Count with Differential (CBC with Differential)
This test measures your blood’s red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, along with the proportions of different types of white blood cells (differential count). It helps assess overall health, detect infections, anemia, or other blood disorders.
["A CBC with differential helps diagnose and monitor conditions like infections, blood disorders, and anemia."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 4533-6
- Short code
- Comp+Ig RBC-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Comp+Ig RBC-aCnc
- 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 includes several key components: - **Red blood cells (RBCs):** Carry oxygen to tissues. - **White blood cells (WBCs):** Fight infections and inflammation. - **Platelets:** Help with blood clotting. - **Differential count:** Breaks down WBCs into subtypes (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils) to identify specific types of infections or immune responses.
Why Is a Differential Count Important?
The differential count helps pinpoint whether an infection is viral, bacterial, or due to another cause. For example, high neutrophils may suggest a bacterial infection, while high lymphocytes could indicate a viral illness or chronic condition.
When Might You Need This Test?
You may need a CBC with differential if you have symptoms like fever, fatigue, easy bruising, frequent infections, or unexplained weight loss. It’s also used before surgeries, during chemotherapy, or to monitor chronic conditions like leukemia or autoimmune diseases.
What Can Affect Your Results?
Several factors can influence CBC results, including recent illness, medications (like steroids), dehydration, or stress. Smoking, diet, and timing of blood draw (e.g., fasting) may also play a role.
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 White Blood Cell Count Breakdown
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
What are the common reference ranges for 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy