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Blood is a liquid in the body that contains red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.
A complete blood count (CBC) test with differential measures the number and types of white blood cells in the blood.
Blood cells have important jobs. The body has 3 main types:
A CBC test measures many aspects of the blood. A CBC with differential gives more details about white blood cells.
Blood contains blood cells and a liquid called plasma, made of water and proteins.
Children with infections, cancers, or blood disorders have changes in the number and kind of cells and proteins in their blood. Therapies and medicines can also change their blood.
Health care providers use the CBC with differential to:
Follow your health care team’s instructions before the test. Tell them if your child is taking any:
These things may change the test results.
If your child is only getting a CBC test, they might be able to eat and drink as normal. But they might not if your care team orders other blood tests.
Regular CBC tests help the care team monitor the patient’s health and ability to fight off infections.
A care team member inserts a needle into your child’s vein to get a blood sample. They collect it in vials or tubes. The care team can also get blood from your child’s central venous access device such as a:
If your child does not have a device, the care team might start a peripheral IV to get blood samples.
Lab staff will study your child’s blood and report the results to your doctor.
A CBC test measures:
The number of cells, their size, and types in a healthy person usually falls within a range of numbers (reference range or standard range). Your doctor compares your child’s results to these ranges.
Normal ranges can vary. They depend on your child’s age. Review these results with your care team. They can explain what is normal for your child.
A CBC with differential includes more information about your child’s white blood cells.
Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cell. They fight off infection. Your care team may order an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) test to track your child’s neutrophil levels. When the ANC is below 500/mm3, the risk of infection is high.
There are 2 main types of lymphocytes: B cells and T cells.
Some types of cancer have abnormal B cells or T cells.
These cells remove foreign material such as germs and dead cells. They boost the body's immune response by making substances that fight disease.
These cells fight infection, inflammation, and allergic reactions such as asthma attacks. They also defend the body against parasites, bacteria, and fungus.
These cells affect allergic reactions, protection against parasites, and the immune response to some cancers.
Low numbers or abnormalities of certain types of blood cells can lead to health conditions that require treatment such as:
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Reviewed: March 2023