Blood Differential
Reviewed
A blood differential test measures the amount of each type of white blood cell to help diagnose or monitor infections, immune conditions, blood disorders, and other health issues.
Preparation and collection
No special preparation is necessary.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- Abnormal results do not always mean you have a condition that needs medical treatment.
- Your provider will consider your symptoms, medical history, and other blood tests when interpreting results.
What to do next
Your provider may order other tests to help find the cause of abnormal results.