White Blood Cell Differential (Manual Count)
This test measures the types and proportions of white blood cells in your blood, helping identify infections, immune responses, or other conditions affecting your blood cells.
["Your blood’s white blood cell types can signal health issues or infections."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 810-2
- Short code
- WBC # Prt Manual
- Synonyms
- WBC # 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 Matters
White blood cells (WBCs) are key to fighting infections and maintaining immune health. This manual method counts five main types: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Each type plays a distinct role in your body’s defense.
How the Test Works
A healthcare professional examines a sample of your blood under a microscope. They count each type of white blood cell and calculate their percentages, providing a detailed picture of your immune system’s activity.
Common Uses
Doctors use this test to diagnose infections (like bacterial or viral), check immune disorders, evaluate blood disorders (e.g., leukemia), or monitor treatments for conditions affecting white blood cells.
What to Expect
You may receive this test as part of a routine blood draw. Results are typically ready within a few days, depending on lab processing. Follow-up may include additional tests or discussions with your provider.
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 counts of specific white blood cells can indicate underlying health problems. For example, high neutrophil counts may signal infection, while low lymphocyte counts could point to immune suppression. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider for personalized insights.
Short name
WBC Differential (Manual)
Frequently asked questions
What causes a manual WBC differential test?
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can I eat or drink before 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