Complete Blood Count with Differential (CBC with Differential)
This test measures the types and counts of your blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells (with subtypes), and platelets, to assess overall health and detect abnormalities.
["A CBC helps diagnose infections, anemia, or blood disorders by examining your blood’s cellular makeup."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 54409-8
- Short code
- DAT C3+C4 Comp-Sp Reag RBC Ql
- Synonyms
- DAT C3+C4 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 Does a CBC with Differential Measure?
A CBC with differential includes several components: Red Blood Cells (RBCs) count, Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, Hematocrit (Hct) percentage, Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), Platelet count, and White Blood Cell (WBC) count. The differential further breaks down the WBCs into five types: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may order a CBC with differential to check for signs of anemia, infections, bleeding disorders, or other blood-related conditions. It’s often used during routine check-ups, before surgeries, or to monitor chronic illnesses like cancer or autoimmune diseases.
What Can Abnormal Results Indicate?
Low RBC counts or hemoglobin levels might suggest anemia, while high counts could indicate dehydration or polycythemia. High or low platelet counts may signal bleeding disorders or clotting issues. Elevated or low WBC counts can indicate infections, inflammation, or immune system problems. The differential helps pinpoint which WBC type is elevated or depressed.
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 examine the blood cells. The differential process involves separating the white blood cells to count each type individually.
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.
Clinical Significance: A CBC with Differential is a fundamental diagnostic tool. It helps identify underlying health issues early, guides treatment decisions, and monitors disease progression. For example, a high neutrophil count might suggest an infection, while a low lymphocyte count could indicate immune suppression.
Short name
CBC with Differential
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can I eat or drink anything before this test?
Is there any risk or discomfort associated with 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