Lymphocyte Count (with White Blood Cell Differential)
This test measures the number of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) and provides a breakdown of your total white blood cell count into different cell types, including lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and monocytes.
["Understanding your immune cell balance helps doctors diagnose infections, inflammation, or immune disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 30113-5
- Short code
- Lymphs IgG # WBC
- Synonyms
- Lymphs IgG # WBC
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.5
- Ref high
- 11
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 30 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85004
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003002
- 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
Why This Test Matters for Your Health
Lymphocytes are key players in your immune system. They help fight infections and recognize harmful substances. A differential count helps identify if your immune response is too strong (overactive), too weak (underactive), or if there’s an imbalance that could signal a condition like leukemia, HIV, or autoimmune disease.
How the Test Works
Blood is drawn and analyzed using automated technology that separates and counts different white blood cell types. The test may also check for abnormalities in cell size or shape.
Common Reasons for Testing
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like frequent infections, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes. It’s also used before treatments like chemotherapy to monitor immune function.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm for a few minutes to draw blood. If you’re nervous, let your doctor or nurse know—many practices offer distractions or numbing cream.
Reference range
Adult: 4.5-11.0 x 10^9/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Lymphocyte & WBC Differential
Frequently asked questions
What does a low or high lymphocyte count mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect my 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