Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation is required.
- Turnaround: 1-2 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What's Included
White Blood Cells
- White Blood Cells (WBC): Your body's primary defense against disease, these cells help you fight infection.
Red Blood Cells and Red Cell Indices
- Red Blood Cells (RBC): Carries oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from your cells. Iron deficiency can lower this count.
- Hemoglobin: A compound inside red cells that carries oxygen through your bloodstream and gives blood its red color.
- Hematocrit: Measures the amount of space your red blood cells take up in your blood, reported as a percentage.
- MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin): The average hemoglobin amount within a single red blood cell.
- MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration): The average hemoglobin concentration percentage within a red blood cell.
- MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume): The average size of your red blood cells.
- RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width): Measures the variation in volume and size among your red blood cells.
Platelets
- Platelet Count: Blood cell particles that play a role in forming blood clots.
White Blood Cell Differential
- Neutrophils: The most common white blood cell type, created by your bone marrow to combat inflammatory and infectious conditions.
- Lymphocytes: B cells and T cells that fight bacteria and other pathogens, found mainly in your lymph system.
- Monocytes: Work alongside neutrophils to fight infections and clear away dead or damaged cells.
- Eos (Eosinophils): White blood cells that become active in response to allergies and certain infections.
- Basophils: Help detect infections early, support wound healing, and respond to allergic reactions.
- Immature Granulocytes: A component of your white blood cell differential included in this panel. (Labcorp only)
Absolute Differential Counts
- Baso (Absolute): Calculated by multiplying the percentage of basophils by your total white blood cell count.
- Neutrophils (Absolute): Calculated from the total white blood cell count and the percentage of neutrophils (and sometimes bands).
- Eos (Absolute): Calculated by multiplying the percentage of eosinophils by your total white blood cell count.
- Lymphs (Absolute): Calculated by multiplying your white blood cell count by the percentage of lymphocytes.
- Monocytes (Absolute): Indicates the number of monocytes in your blood, helping identify whether the count is normal, high, or low.
- Immature Grans (Abs): The absolute value of the immature granulocytes included in this panel. (Labcorp only)
Benefits
- Measures red cells, white cells, and platelets in one draw.
- Includes a full white blood cell differential breakdown.
- Provides absolute counts for added detail.
- Requires no special preparation before testing.
- Delivers online results with a short turnaround.
Who Is This Test For?
- Anyone wanting a routine overview of their blood cell health.
- Individuals at higher risk for certain diseases or conditions.
- People noticing signs linked to kidney, liver, or metabolism concerns.
- Anyone tracking how their body responds to ongoing treatment.
- Individuals interested in general wellness monitoring over time.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this test?
This panel evaluates your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to give you a broad picture of your blood cell health. It includes hemoglobin, hematocrit, red cell indices, a white blood cell differential, and absolute counts. Together, these categories help you and your healthcare provider look at how your body's blood cells are functioning and how they may be responding to treatment.
2. Who would benefit from this test?
This test may benefit individuals who want a routine overview of their blood cell health, as well as those at higher risk for certain diseases or conditions. It may also be useful for people noticing signs linked to kidney, liver, or metabolism concerns, or anyone interested in tracking their body's response to ongoing treatment.
3. When should I order this panel?
You may consider ordering this panel as part of a routine health check, or if you have a higher risk of certain diseases or conditions. It may also be useful if you are noticing signs that could be linked to kidney, liver, or metabolism concerns, such as jaundice, abdominal discomfort, swelling, itchiness, dark urine, pale stool, fatigue, or nausea.
4. Do I need to fast before this test?
No special preparation is required.
5. How quickly will I get results?
You can expect results within 1-2 days. Results may take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
6. How do I interpret the results?
Your results are best understood by looking at patterns across biomarkers rather than focusing on a single value alone. Discussing your full results with a healthcare provider can help you understand what they mean for you specifically.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
7. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
If any of your results fall outside the expected range, reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss what they may mean for you and whether any next steps are appropriate.
8. How often should I get tested?
How often you test can depend on your individual health history and goals. Testing frequency should be determined as directed by your healthcare provider.
9. Why early detection matters
Regularly checking your blood cell levels may support earlier awareness of changes in your health and can help you and your healthcare provider monitor how your body responds to treatment over time. This test does not guarantee detection of any condition, and results should always be reviewed with a healthcare provider.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required.
