A blood differential test is used to measure the quantity of each kind of white blood cell (WBC) present in the body. There are 5 different kinds of white blood cells in the body responsible for immunity and other essential works. This test is also known as Complete blood count (CBC) with differential, Leukocyte differential count, Differential, and White blood cell differential count.
This test detects immature or abnormal cells. Besides, it can even diagnose inflammation, infection, immunity disorder, and leukemia. The White blood cell differential test is often part of a complete blood count (CBC).
A doctor may recommend this test as part of a regular health check-up. There is a small difference between CBC and blood differential test as the former is a wider test in comparison to the latter. A CBC measures white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, and hematocrit while blood differential test focuses on WBC. A GP may even recommend a CBC with blood differential tests if they doubt other symptoms such as a bone marrow disorder, autoimmune disease, and others.
The doctor checks the white blood cell levels by testing a blood sample. Blood is drawn from hand or arm using a small needle and the test needs no special preparation. This drawn blood is placed on a glass which is then stained using a dye that aids to differentiate the WBC types. The number of every WBC type is counted either manually or using an automated blood count equipment that uses a laser, electrical, or photodetection method. The latter is usually supposed to be exact.
If you are taking any medications let the lab technician know as few medicines may alter the results. This test usually doesn’t have any complications associated with it save for the small pain and little bit of blood spill while drawing blood.
Although lab results could differ, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry earmarked white blood cells percentage in healthy persons as below;
54 to 62 percent neutrophils
25 to 30 percent lymphocytes
0 to 9 percent monocytes
1 to 3 percent eosinophils
1 percent basophils
An abnormal upsurge in one type of white blood cell can lead to a decrease in another type. Let us look into what each type of abnormality in the test says;
An increased neutrophils percentage in the blood can denote that a person has;
A decreased neutrophils percentage in the blood can signal;
An increased lymphocytes percentage in the blood may be because of;
A decreased lymphocytes percentage in the blood can be the outcome of;
A heightened monocytes percentage in the blood can be the outcome of;
An increased eosinophils percentage in the blood can mean;
An increased basophils percentage in the blood may be due to;
Although a blood differential test is simple and may look normal it says a lot about a person’s health.
Sudheendra is a passionate blogger for 8 years and holds a Degree in Journalism & Mass Communications. His writings particularly focus on health, medicine, diet & lifestyle. For him, everything that interlinks and relates to health & medical world entices him. His write-ups aim at educating people not by just giving facts but by infusing human touch.
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