White Blood Cell Differential (Manual Count)
This test measures the types and proportions of white blood cells in your blood, done manually by a trained lab technician. It helps identify infections, immune responses, or other blood disorders.
["A manual white blood cell differential assesses your immune system’s cell composition for potential health concerns."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 68429-0
- Short code
- WBC Other # Prt Manual
- Synonyms
- WBC Other # Prt Manual
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- 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
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors may order this test to diagnose or monitor conditions like infections, autoimmune diseases, or blood disorders. For example, high or low counts of certain white blood cells can signal different health issues.
How the Test Works
Blood is drawn, and a technician examines a microscopic slide under high magnification. They count and categorize each white blood cell type (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils) to determine their relative percentages.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may eat and drink normally, but inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you’re taking, as they could affect results.
What to Expect During the Test
A small needle is used to draw blood from a vein, usually in your arm. The process takes a few minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch. You’ll likely sit or lie down while the blood is drawn.
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 differentials can indicate infections (e.g., high neutrophils), immune disorders (e.g., low lymphocytes), or blood cancers (e.g., unusual basophil counts). For example, a high eosinophil count may suggest allergies or parasitic infections, while a low monocyte count could signal chronic inflammation.
Short name
WBC Differential (Manual)
Frequently asked questions
What does a manual white blood cell differential differ from an automated one?
How often should I get a white blood cell differential test?
Can diet or stress affect white blood cell counts?
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