White Blood Cell Clumping (Autoimmune) Screening Test
This test checks for abnormal clumping of white blood cells, which may indicate an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly targets its own cells.
["This screening helps identify potential autoimmune reactions affecting white blood cells."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33768-3
- Short code
- WBC clumps # Ur Auto
- Synonyms
- WBC clumps # Ur Auto
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- 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
- Method
- automated-count
- CPT
- 85004
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003002
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
The test detects the presence of clumps formed by white blood cells (leukocytes) that may stick together due to an autoimmune process. These clumps can be observed under a microscope during blood examination. This is not a direct measurement of a specific substance but rather an assessment of cellular behavior in response to immune activity.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, unexplained fevers, or signs of inflammation, or if you have a history of autoimmune diseases. It can help determine whether your white blood cells are behaving abnormally due to an immune response.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm or hand to draw a blood sample. The test is quick and typically done in a lab setting. If you’re on blood-thinning medication, let your provider know before the test.
What Happens During the Test?
A small amount of blood is collected and examined under a microscope. The lab technician looks for abnormal clumping patterns among the white blood cells. This process is part of a broader blood analysis and may be combined with other tests.
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.
Abnormal white blood cell clumping can signal autoimmune conditions such as certain types of leukemia, chronic inflammatory diseases, or immune system disorders. While this test alone doesn’t diagnose a specific condition, it may prompt further investigation, including additional blood tests or evaluations by a specialist.
Short name
WBC Clumping Screen
Frequently asked questions
What causes white blood cell clumping?
Is this test painful?
Can I eat or drink before 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