Complete Blood Count with Differential and Absolute Counts Since Previous Reported Period
This test measures your blood cell counts, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, along with the breakdown of white blood cell types (differential) over a recent period compared to previous results. It helps assess your overall health, detect infections, anemia, or other blood disorders.
["This test provides a snapshot of your blood health by comparing recent counts to past results, aiding early detection of changes or conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 95897-5
- Short code
- % diff in cases since prev RptPeriod
- Synonyms
- % diff in cases since prev RptPeriod
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- 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 This Test Measures
Your blood contains several key components that play vital roles in health. This test evaluates the following: - **Red blood cells (RBCs):** Carry oxygen to tissues. - **White blood cells (WBCs):** Protect against infections. - **Platelets:** Help with blood clotting. - **Differential count:** Breaks down WBCs into types (e.g., neutrophils, lymphocytes) to identify specific immune responses or disorders.
Why It Matters in Your Care
Comparing recent blood counts to past results helps doctors track trends, such as: - Whether infections or inflammation are improving or worsening. - Changes in anemia or bleeding disorders over time. - How treatments (e.g., medications, therapies) are affecting your blood health.
Common Reasons for This Test
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like frequent infections, unusual fatigue, easy bruising, or unexplained weight changes. It’s also used for routine monitoring in chronic conditions (e.g., cancer, kidney disease) or after treatments that affect blood cells.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The test compares recent counts to your previous blood results, not a single snapshot. No special preparation is needed unless instructed otherwise.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
CBC with Differential (Recent Comparison)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
What if my results are different from past reports?
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