White Blood Cell Differential with Absolute Counts (Quantitative)
This test measures the types and amounts of white blood cells in your blood, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, along with their total count.
["Understanding your immune cell makeup helps doctors diagnose infections, inflammation, or blood disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 42327-7
- Short code
- WBC Stl Ql MB Stn
- Synonyms
- WBC Stl Ql MB Stn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- stool
- Container
- Clean 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
- Method
- methylene-blue-stain
- CPT
- 85004
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003002
- Specimen volume
- 5 g
- Stability
- Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
White blood cells (WBCs) are crucial for fighting infections and inflammation. This test helps identify imbalances that may signal conditions like infections, allergies, autoimmune diseases, or blood cancers.
Types of White Blood Cells Measured
The test breaks down WBCs into five main types: neutrophils (most common, fighting bacteria), lymphocytes (immune response), monocytes (long-term infection fighters), eosinophils (allergies/infections), and basophils (rare, linked to allergies or inflammation).
How the Test Works
A small blood sample is drawn and analyzed to count and classify each WBC type. Advanced machines separate and measure each cell type automatically.
Common Reasons for Testing
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like frequent infections, unexplained fevers, fatigue, or signs of blood disorders. It’s also used to monitor conditions like leukemia or chronic infections.
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 can indicate infections (e.g., high neutrophils), immune disorders (e.g., low lymphocytes), or blood cancers (e.g., high blasts in immature cells). For example, a low total WBC count may mean your body struggles to fight infections, while elevated eosinophils could signal allergies or parasitic infections.
Short name
WBC Differential
Frequently asked questions
What Does a High or Low WBC Count Mean?
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
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