Complete Blood Count with Differential and Platelet Count (CBC with Diff)
This test measures your blood cells—red blood cells, white blood cells (including their types), and platelets—along with their counts and proportions. It helps assess overall health, detect infections, anemia, or blood disorders.
["A CBC with differential helps diagnose and monitor conditions like infections, anemia, or blood clotting issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 95900-7
- Short code
- % diff in deaths since prev RptPeriod
- Synonyms
- % diff in deaths 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 Does Each Blood Cell Type Represent?
Your blood contains several types of white blood cells (WBCs), each with a role in fighting infections. The differential counts these cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils) to identify specific health concerns. For example, high neutrophils might signal infection, while high eosinophils could suggest allergies or parasites.
How Are Red Blood Cells and Platelets Evaluated?
Red blood cells (RBCs) are checked for count, size, and shape (e.g., anemia if too few or abnormal). Platelets measure their number to detect bleeding disorders or clotting risks. Together, these help diagnose conditions like iron deficiency or blood clotting problems.
Why Might Your Doctor Order This Test?
A CBC with differential is commonly used for routine check-ups, monitoring chronic conditions (like diabetes or heart disease), or investigating symptoms like fatigue, bruising, fever, or unexplained weight loss.
What Could Abnormal Results Mean?
Low RBCs or hemoglobin might indicate anemia, while low platelets could signal bleeding disorders. High WBCs may point to infection or inflammation, while unusual cell types could hint at autoimmune diseases or cancers. Always discuss results with your provider.
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.
Clinical Significance: This test is critical for diagnosing and managing conditions like infections, anemia, blood disorders (e.g., leukemia), or immune system issues. It also guides treatment decisions for chronic illnesses and post-surgery recovery.
Short name
CBC with Differential
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need this test if I feel healthy?
What happens during the blood draw?
How long will it take to get results?
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