White Blood Cell Differential (with Percentage)
This test measures the types and proportions of white blood cells in your blood, helping identify infections, inflammation, or other immune system issues.
["Understanding your white blood cell types can help pinpoint health concerns like infections or immune disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26468-9
- Short code
- WBC # Prt
- Synonyms
- WBC # Prt
- 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
- 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
What Does This Test Measure?
The test breaks down white blood cells into categories such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, along with their relative percentages. This helps assess immune function and response to illness.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Doctors may order this test to diagnose or monitor conditions like infections (e.g., bacterial or viral), autoimmune diseases, or blood disorders. It’s also used during cancer treatment to check for side effects or monitor recovery.
How Is the Sample Collected?
A small blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then analyzed in a lab to determine the types and percentages of white blood cells.
What Are Common Results?
Results show the absolute counts and percentages of each white blood cell type. Abnormal percentages or counts may signal underlying health issues that need 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.
Abnormal WBC differentials can indicate infections (e.g., high neutrophils for bacterial infections, high lymphocytes for viral infections), chronic conditions (e.g., leukemia or lymphoma), or inflammatory diseases. Low counts of certain cells may suggest immune deficiencies or other systemic problems. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider for personalized insights.
Short name
WBC Differential %
Frequently asked questions
What Does an Abnormal Test Mean?
How Often Should I Get This Test?
Can Lifestyle or Diet Affect 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