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###1: White Blood Cell Count, Other Specimen, Manual Method

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

###3: This test manually counts white blood cells in the specimen identified by the code “PLR.” Because that specimen abbreviation is not standard, confirm the sample type with the laboratory or ordering clinician.

Quick summary

["###4: The result can help show whether the sampled body fluid or tissue contains unusually few or many white blood cells."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
68430-8
Short code
WBC Other # Plr Manual
Synonyms
WBC Other # Plr Manual
Category
chemistry
Sample
fluid
Container
Sterile tube
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
manual-count
CPT
85004
SNOMED
900000000000003002
Specimen volume
2-5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h
Hemolysis max
300
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

###5: What the test measures

###6: White blood cells are immune-system cells. Counting them in a fluid specimen can help clinicians evaluate inflammation, infection, or other conditions affecting the sampled area.

###7: How the test is performed

###8: A laboratory technologist examines the specimen under a microscope and manually counts the white blood cells. The technique can also help assess the types of cells present.

###9: Understanding the result

###10: The white blood cell count is interpreted in relation to the type of specimen, symptoms, and other findings. A higher or lower count may have different meanings depending on where the sample came from.

###11: Sample preparation

###11: Preparation depends on the exact specimen source. Follow the laboratory’s collection instructions and tell the clinician if the sample was collected because of infection, surgery, drainage, or another procedure.

Reference range

Adult: 4.5-11.0 x 10^9/LN/A

Specimen: fluid

No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

###2: White blood cell count

Frequently asked questions

###14: What does a high white blood cell count mean?
###15: It may occur with infection, inflammation, tissue irritation, or certain other conditions. The meaning depends on the specimen source and the rest of the clinical picture.
###16: What does a low white blood cell count mean?
###17: It may be associated with some infections, medications, bone marrow conditions, or immune-system problems. Other tests and clinical details are usually needed to determine the cause.
###18: Does this test identify the cause of an abnormal count?
###19: No. It measures and describes the white blood cells present, but additional testing may be needed to identify the specific cause of an abnormal result.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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