Lymphocyte Count, Blood — Manual Method
A manual blood count used to measure lymphocytes as part of a blood differential, often by examining a stained blood smear.
["This test helps evaluate the number of lymphocytes in your blood and can provide clues about infection, inflammation, or immune and blood-cell disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33832-7
- Short code
- Ib Lymphs # Bld Manual
- Synonyms
- Ib Lymphs # Bld Manual
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- manual-count
- 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 this test?
This test measures the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, in a blood sample. A manual count involves examining a stained blood smear under a microscope, and the result may be reported as a percentage of white blood cells or as an absolute count.
Why might I need this test?
A lymphocyte count may be included in a routine complete blood count or ordered when symptoms suggest infection, inflammation, immune dysfunction, or a blood-cell disorder. Your healthcare professional may also use it to monitor medications or treatment.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected, usually by a venipuncture, and a portion is spread on a slide and stained. A laboratory professional then identifies and counts lymphocytes and other white blood cells under a microscope.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually required. Follow any instructions from your healthcare professional and tell the laboratory if you have recently had an infection or take medicines that may affect blood-cell counts.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Higher lymphocyte levels may occur with some viral or other infections, inflammatory conditions, and certain lymph-cell disorders. Lower levels may occur with some bacterial infections, bone marrow problems, immune conditions, or medication effects. Results must be interpreted with the rest of the blood count, symptoms, and medical history.
Short name
Manual blood lymphocyte count
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a routine complete blood count?
Does the test require fasting?
Does one abnormal lymphocyte result mean I have a serious illness?
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