Differential; Diff; White blood cell differential count. The blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your blood. It also reveals if there are any abnormal or immature cells.
What is the normal differential WBC count?
Normal Results The normal number of WBCs in the blood is 4,500 to 11,000 WBCs per microliter (4.5 to 11.0 × 109/L). Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different labs. Some labs use different measurements or may test different specimens. Talk to your provider about your test results.
What is in a differential count?
A measure of the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood, including the different types of white blood cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils, and eosinophils).
What does a high WBC mean in a blood test?
By Mayo Clinic Staff. A high white blood cell count usually indicates: An increased production of white blood cells to fight an infection. A reaction to a drug that increases white blood cell production. A disease of bone marrow, causing abnormally high production of white blood cells.
Why is differential WBC count important?
A differential blood count gives the relative percentage of each type of white blood cell and also helps to reveal abnormal white blood cell populations (eg, blasts, immature granulocytes, and circulating lymphoma cells in the peripheral blood).
What is the purpose of a WBC differential count?
A white blood cell (WBC) count measures the number of white blood cells in your blood, and a WBC differential determines the percentage of each type of white blood cell present in your blood. A differential can also detect immature white blood cells and abnormalities, both of which are signs of potential issues.
How do you read WBC differential results?
Results of a differential are usually reported as absolute values of the five types of WBCs and/or may be reported as a percent of the total number of WBCs. Absolute values are calculated by multiplying the total number of WBCs by the percentage of each type of white cell.
What can cause an elevated WBC count?
Severe allergies and asthma are other forms of inflammation that may increase the white blood cell count. Severe physical or emotional stress can also cause an increased WBC count, including stress caused by overexertion and anxiety.
What number would be considered low for WBC?
Re: what number would be considered low for WBC. WBC–Normal counts are between 3.8-10.8 thousand/ul with optimal being 7.3. Ranges from lab to lab will vary so a low count, below range, would be according to your own your own particular labs. Normal Absolute Lymphocytes range; 850-3900 cells/ul.
What is considered a high WBC count?
A high white blood cell count is an increase in disease-fighting cells in your blood. The exact threshold for a high white blood cell count varies from one laboratory to another. In general, for adults a count of more than 11,000 white blood cells (leukocytes) in a microliter of blood is considered a high white blood cell count.
What can be the causes of a high WBC?
Causes of Elevated WBC Count Viral or bacterial infection. The most common cause of higher than normal white blood cells is because your body is fighting an infection. Inflammatory conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis. Allergy. Immune system disorder. Emotional or physical stress. Gastrointestinal problems. Smoking. Pregnancy. Leukemia.
