Monocyte Fraction in Serum or Plasma (Manual Qualitative Electrophoresis)
This test measures the proportion of monocytes in your blood using manual electrophoresis, a method to separate blood cell types by size and charge. It helps assess immune cell distribution.
["This test evaluates how monocytes (a type of white blood cell) are present in your bloodstream."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 66132-2
- Short code
- Mono+Meso NFr Fld Manual
- Synonyms
- Mono+Meso NFr Fld Manual
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- manual-count
- CPT
- 86430
- 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
What This Test Measures
Electrophoresis separates blood components based on their movement through an electric field. Monocytes, being larger and differently charged than other white blood cells, can be visually identified and quantified in this process. This manual method is less common today but may be used for specialized screening or research purposes.
Why It Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if they suspect conditions affecting white blood cell distribution, such as certain infections, immune disorders, or blood-related diseases. It can also be part of broader diagnostic evaluations for unexplained symptoms like fatigue, recurrent infections, or abnormal lab findings.
Common Uses and Considerations
While not a routine test, it may be used in specific clinical scenarios where precise monocyte fraction assessment is critical. Results are qualitative (yes/no presence) rather than quantitative, so they provide a relative comparison rather than absolute values.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed. You may draw blood from a vein in your arm, similar to other blood tests. If you have a history of bleeding disorders or clotting issues, inform your healthcare provider beforehand.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Monocyte Fraction Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive or abnormal result mean?
How does this test differ from standard white blood cell counts?
Is this test covered by insurance?
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