Complete Blood Count with Differential (CBC with Differential)
This test measures the types and amounts of cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, along with the breakdown of white blood cells into specific types (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils).
["A CBC helps your doctor assess overall health, detect infections, anemia, or blood disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 69016-4
- Short code
- LPT TT max/CD45 Bld FC-NFr
- Synonyms
- LPT TT max/CD45 Bld FC-NFr
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- 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
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- 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 Does a CBC With Differential Measure?
Your blood is analyzed for three main components: red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. The differential count further breaks down the types of white blood cells, which can help identify specific conditions like infections, immune disorders, or inflammatory processes.
Why Might Your Doctor Order This Test?
A CBC with differential is commonly used to monitor general health, diagnose conditions like anemia, infections, or blood cancers, and track responses to treatments. It’s also useful for screening before surgeries or during pregnancy.
How Is This Test Performed?
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then analyzed in a lab to count and identify the different cell types and their proportions.
What Are Common Results and Their Meanings?
Abnormal results may indicate low or high counts of specific cell types, which can signal infections, immune issues, or other health problems. For example, a high neutrophil count might suggest an infection, while a low lymphocyte count could point to immune suppression.
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.
A CBC with differential is a cornerstone of hematology, providing critical insights into blood health. Elevated or low white blood cell counts, particularly specific types like neutrophils or lymphocytes, can signal infections, autoimmune diseases, or blood disorders. Platelet counts help detect bleeding disorders or clotting risks, while RBC counts assess for anemia or polycythemia. This test is essential for monitoring chronic conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, or chronic infections and guiding treatment decisions.
Short name
CBC with White Blood Cell Count Differentiation
Frequently asked questions
When might I expect to get my CBC results back?
What do abnormal white blood cell counts mean?
Can I do anything to prepare for this test?
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