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Total White Blood Cell Count (WBC) with Differential Analysis (deprecated)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the number and types of white blood cells in your blood, which helps identify infections, inflammation, or other conditions affecting your immune system.

Quick summary

["Understanding your blood’s immune cells can reveal health risks or guide treatment."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
5546-7
Short code
Deprecated CD95 WBC-aCnc
Synonyms
Deprecated CD95 WBC-aCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
whole-blood
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA)
Units
N/A
Ref low
4.5
Ref high
11
Critical range
2 N/A – 30 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
85004
SNOMED
900000000000003002
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 Is a White Blood Cell Differential?

A white blood cell differential breaks down the five main types of white blood cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils) to assess their proportions. This can indicate whether your body is fighting infection, responding to allergies, or experiencing chronic inflammation.

Why Might This Test Be Done?

Doctors order a WBC differential to diagnose infections (like bacterial or viral), check for autoimmune diseases, evaluate blood disorders (e.g., leukemia), or monitor conditions like chronic inflammation or allergies.

How Is This Test Performed?

A small blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is then examined under a microscope to count and identify each type of white blood cell.

What Do Results Mean?

Abnormal counts or ratios (e.g., high eosinophils may suggest allergies or parasites; low lymphocytes could signal immune suppression) may signal underlying health issues that require further testing or treatment.

Reference range

Adult: 4.5-11.0 x 10^9/LN/A

Specimen: whole-blood

No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

WBC Differential (deprecated)

Frequently asked questions

What causes a white blood cell differential test to be deprecated?
This test was removed from standard use because newer, more specific methods (like automated hematology analyzers) replaced manual differential counts for routine clinical practice. However, some specialized labs may still perform it for research or rare cases.
Can I still get a white blood cell differential test if needed?
If your doctor requests it, they may order a more modern test (e.g., complete blood count with differential) or a targeted analysis of specific cell types. Ask your provider about current testing options.
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Results from a traditional differential test typically take 1–2 business days, depending on lab processing. Modern automated tests may provide results sooner, often within hours.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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