Whole Blood Disintegrated Cell Count (Leukocyte Count)
This test measures the total number of white blood cells in your blood, which helps assess your immune system and detect infections or inflammatory conditions.
["White blood cells are critical for fighting infections and inflammation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 52999-0
- Short code
- WBC.disintegrated # Bld
- Synonyms
- WBC.disintegrated # Bld
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- 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
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is This Test Measuring?
White blood cells (WBCs) are part of your immune system and include different types of cells like neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. This test counts the total number of these cells in your blood sample, often used to evaluate immune function, infection risk, or inflammatory processes.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to diagnose or monitor conditions such as infections (e.g., bacterial, viral), autoimmune diseases, blood disorders, or reactions to treatments like chemotherapy.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The blood is then sent to a lab where it is analyzed to count the total number of white blood cells. This process may involve automated blood cell counters or manual microscopic examination.
What Does a Result Mean?
Results are typically reported as a total WBC count (often in thousands of cells per microliter). While specific reference ranges vary by lab, elevated or low counts may signal underlying health concerns that require further evaluation.
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.
An elevated WBC count may indicate an infection, inflammation, or other immune responses. A low WBC count could suggest immune deficiencies, certain medications, or severe illness. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
Frequently asked questions
What causes a high white blood cell count?
Low WBC counts may be due to infections (like HIV or severe viral illnesses), certain medications, bone marrow disorders, or autoimmune diseases. Stress, malnutrition, or chemotherapy can also contribute.
Can lifestyle changes affect my WBC count?
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