White Blood Cell Differential with Manual Count (Peripheral Blood)
This test measures the types and proportions of white blood cells in your blood, counted manually under a microscope. It helps identify infections, immune responses, or other blood disorders.
["This test provides detailed insight into your immune system’s composition and can help pinpoint causes of symptoms like fatigue, frequent infections, or unexplained fevers."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 111204-4
- Short code
- WBC Msmt UrnS
- Synonyms
- WBC Msmt UrnS
- 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
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like frequent infections, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or if your blood test results show unusual white blood cell counts. It’s also used to monitor conditions like leukemia, autoimmune diseases, or chronic infections.
How the Test Works
A small blood sample is taken from your arm. The white blood cells are spread thinly on a microscope slide, stained, and counted manually by a trained lab technician. Each type of white blood cell (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils) is identified and counted as a percentage of the total white blood cells.
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 usually goes away quickly. If you’re on blood-thinning medication, let your doctor know before the test.
What to Expect During the Test
The blood draw takes about 5 minutes. You’ll sit comfortably while the technician inserts a needle into your vein. You may feel a slight pinch, but most people tolerate it well. The sample is then sent to the lab for detailed analysis.
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 results can signal underlying health issues. For example, a high neutrophil count may indicate infection or inflammation, while a low lymphocyte count could suggest immune dysfunction. Doctors use these findings to guide treatment, such as adjusting medications or identifying infections early.
Short name
WBC Differential (Manual Count)
Frequently asked questions
What does a high or low white blood cell count mean?
Does this test replace a full blood count (CBC)?
How often should I get 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