Granulocyte count (manual differential blood count)
This test measures the percentage of different white blood cell types, including granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils), which help your body fight infections and inflammation. It’s often used to assess immune function or diagnose conditions like infections, allergies, or blood disorders.
["Understanding your granulocyte counts can help doctors diagnose or monitor health conditions affecting your immune system."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14378-4
- Short code
- Granulocytes NFr Ur Manual
- Synonyms
- Granulocytes NFr Ur Manual
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- manual-count
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like frequent infections, unexplained fevers, or signs of inflammation (such as swelling or redness). It can also be part of routine blood work to check overall health or monitor conditions like leukemia, autoimmune diseases, or certain allergies.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood, similar to other routine blood tests. If you’re nervous, let your healthcare provider know—they can help make it more comfortable.
How the Test Results Are Interpreted
Results show the proportion of granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils) in your blood. While absolute counts are often reported separately, this test focuses on relative percentages. Abnormal results may suggest infections, immune disorders, or other conditions affecting white blood cell balance.
Common Conditions Affecting Granulocyte Counts
Low granulocyte counts (neutropenia) can make you more prone to infections, while high counts may indicate chronic inflammation, allergies, or certain cancers. Doctors will review your full blood work and medical history to understand the cause.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: Granulocyte differentials are critical for diagnosing immune disorders, infections, or blood cancers. For example, high eosinophil counts might suggest allergies or parasitic infections, while low neutrophil counts can signal severe neutropenia, requiring urgent medical attention.
Short name
Granulocyte differential
Frequently asked questions
What does a granulocyte differential test measure?
Can fasting affect this test?
How long does 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