Lymphocyte count (qualitative assessment of white blood cell differential via manual blood smear)
This test evaluates the proportion of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, in your blood. It helps identify if your immune system may be overactive, underactive, or responding to infection.
["This test helps doctors assess immune health and diagnose conditions like infections, autoimmune diseases, or certain cancers."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 95842-1
- Short code
- Lymphocytes NFr Spt Manual
- Synonyms
- Lymphocytes NFr Spt Manual
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- sputum
- Container
- Sterile sputum container
- 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
- manual-count
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- Specimen volume
- 3-5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors may order this test to check for immune system issues, such as infections, lymphoma, or other blood disorders. It’s often part of a broader blood workup when symptoms like fatigue, frequent infections, or unexplained weight loss appear.
How the Test Works
A small blood sample is taken and examined under a microscope. A trained technician counts and categorizes white blood cells, including lymphocytes, to determine their relative numbers.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a slight bruise or soreness at the injection site, but this is normal. Avoid eating or drinking for 1 hour before the draw if instructed.
What to Expect During the Test
You’ll lie down while a nurse inserts a needle into your arm. A small amount of blood is collected into a test tube. The process usually takes a few minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch.
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
Lymphocyte count (manual smear)
Frequently asked questions
What does a high lymphocyte count mean?
What does a low lymphocyte count mean?
Is this test painful?
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