CBC with Differential (Complete Blood Count with White Blood Cell Differentiation)
This blood test measures the types and amounts of cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, along with the proportions of different types of white blood cells.
["Understanding your blood cell counts helps your doctor diagnose and monitor conditions like infections, anemia, or blood disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72053-2
- Short code
- DATEARTERIOVENOUSFISTULACREATION
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- esrd
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors order a CBC with differential to check for signs of infections, blood disorders, or other health issues. It’s often used before surgeries, during cancer treatments, or to monitor chronic conditions like anemia or autoimmune diseases. This test helps ensure your blood is functioning properly and can detect abnormalities early.
What to Expect Before the Test
You can eat and drink normally before this test. No special preparation is needed, but if you’re on blood thinners or have a history of bleeding disorders, let your doctor know. The test is quick and usually done by a phlebotomist in a clinic or lab.
What Happens During the Test
A small needle is inserted into a vein, usually in your arm. Blood is collected in a tube, and the process takes about 5–10 minutes. You may feel a brief pinch, but it’s usually not painful. The sample is then analyzed to count and identify different blood cells.
What the Results Mean
Results show your red blood cell count, white blood cell count (with subtypes like neutrophils, lymphocytes, etc.), and platelet count. Abnormal levels may indicate infections, anemia, or other health concerns. Your doctor will discuss these results with you in detail.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A CBC with differential is a cornerstone of diagnosing and managing many medical conditions. For example, high white blood cell counts might suggest an infection, while low counts could indicate immune suppression. Platelet counts help assess bleeding risks, and red blood cell counts can reveal anemia or blood loss. This test is also used to monitor treatment responses, such as chemotherapy or blood transfusions.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
What if my results are abnormal?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy