Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential and Platelet Count
This test measures key components of your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, along with the proportions of different types of white blood cells.
["A CBC helps your doctor assess overall health, detect infections, anemia, or blood disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58956-4
- Short code
- DAT C3b+C4d Comp-Sp Reag RBC Ql
- Synonyms
- DAT C3b+C4d Comp-Sp Reag RBC Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- 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
- 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 Blood Cells Are Measured?
Your blood contains several types of cells that play vital roles in health. This test evaluates red blood cells (RBCs), which carry oxygen; white blood cells (WBCs), which fight infections; and platelets, which help with clotting. The differential counts specific types of WBCs (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils) to identify inflammation, infections, or other conditions.
How Is This Test Performed?
A small blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is analyzed to count and identify the different blood cells. This process helps determine if your blood cell counts are within normal ranges or if further investigation is needed.
Why Might You Need This Test?
A CBC is commonly ordered for routine check-ups, to monitor chronic conditions (like anemia or blood disorders), or to investigate symptoms such as fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising, or unexplained bleeding.
What Could Abnormal Results Indicate?
Low red blood cell counts may suggest anemia, while high counts could indicate conditions like polycythemia. Low platelet counts might point to bleeding disorders, while high counts could signal clotting issues. Abnormal white blood cell counts can signal infections, inflammation, or autoimmune disorders.
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
Why do I need a CBC with differential if I feel healthy?
What does it mean if my white blood cell count is high?
Can I eat or drink anything 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