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White Blood Cell Count (with Differential Strip)

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

This test measures the total number of white blood cells in your blood and provides a visual breakdown of their types, often used to assess immune function or detect infections.

Quick summary

["A simple blood test to check your immune system and spot infections quickly."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
20408-1
Short code
WBC # Ur Strip
Synonyms
WBC # Ur Strip
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine 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
test-strip
CPT
85004
SNOMED
900000000000003002
Specimen volume
10 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What Does This Test Measure?

The test includes a total white blood cell count (WBC) and a differential strip that visually categorizes five types of white blood cells: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. This helps doctors identify patterns in your immune response.

Why Might You Need This Test?

Doctors may order this test to evaluate immune function, diagnose infections (like bacterial or viral), check for inflammation, or monitor conditions such as leukemia, autoimmune diseases, or allergies.

How Is the Test Performed?

A small blood sample is drawn from your arm. The test uses a strip to analyze the blood cells directly, providing results quickly—often within minutes.

What Are Common Uses?

This test is commonly used in emergency settings, urgent care, or as part of routine blood work to quickly assess your body’s response to illness or injury.

Reference range

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

Specimen: urine

No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance:

Short name

WBC Strip

Frequently asked questions

How can abnormal results affect my health?
Elevated white blood cells may indicate infection, inflammation, or a reactive immune response. Low levels could suggest immune deficiency, chronic illness, or certain medications. The differential strip helps pinpoint which cell types are involved, guiding treatment decisions.
What does the differential strip tell me?
The strip visually shows proportions of different white blood cells. For example, a high neutrophil count often signals bacterial infection, while a high lymphocyte count may suggest viral infection or chronic conditions like lymphoma.
How soon will I get my results?
Results are typically available immediately after the blood draw, often within minutes, depending on the lab’s workflow.
  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