Insight into the split of your white blood cells.
The white cell differential counts your white blood cells and shows how they are distributed across the five types of immune cells. That gives more insight than the total count alone, with a personal explanation from our doctors.
Also known as: WBC differential, leukocyte differential, differential count, white blood cell differential
Personal assessment by our BIG-registered Bloodworks® doctors
By the Bloodworks editorial team
White cell differential blood test
- Total
- 74,-
Next step: choose your collection point
- No referral needed
- 1000+ collection points
- Results typically within 2 working days
- Every result reviewed by a BIG-registered doctor
A broader view of your immunity
Combine with Immunity & Inflammation
The differential says the most next to other values. The Immunity & Inflammation package combines it with CRP, ESR, a full blood count and ferritin in one blood draw.
View package · 139,-How Bloodworks works
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Blood draw
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Receive your report
Securely, typically within 2 working days from our physicians
Background
What does the differential measure?
White blood cells, or leukocytes, are the cells of your immune system. There are five types, each with its own task: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. A standard white cell count only tells you how many white blood cells there are in total. The differential also shows how that total is made up.
Neutrophils are usually the largest group and are the first line of defence against bacteria. Lymphocytes play a central role in the defence against viruses and in immune memory. Monocytes clear away pathogens and cell debris, eosinophils are involved in allergic reactions and basophils are a small group that also takes part in them. Because a normal total can hide an uneven distribution, the differential gives a finer picture of how your immune cells are distributed right now.
In brief
Five cell types
Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils
Count and split
The total plus the share of each cell type
A snapshot
Moves with infections, exertion and stress
Complements CRP
Shows how your immune cells are distributed
This marker is also included in
Testing several values in a single draw takes one blood collection and gives a more complete picture. The choice is yours.
Common reasons to test
When can insight into your White cell differential be valuable?
Below are some situations in which measuring White cell differential can provide insight.
Preventive insight into your immunity
As part of a periodic check, the differential gives a fuller picture of your white blood cells than the total count alone.
After an abnormal white cell count
If your white cell count at an earlier test was outside the laboratory reference range, the differential shows which cell type is behind it.
With questions about infections
If you often pick up an infection or recover from one slowly, the split of your immune cells gives more context to that question.
Together with CRP and ESR
CRP and ESR show whether there is inflammatory activity. The differential adds which immune cells are involved.
With allergic complaints
Eosinophils are involved in allergic reactions, such as hay fever. The differential shows where their count stands.
Following a value over time
A repeat test after a few weeks shows whether a previously abnormal split falls within the laboratory reference range again.
What your result means
How your result is presented
You receive the total number of white blood cells and a value for each cell type, as a count per litre of blood and often also as a percentage of the total. The laboratory states the reference range that applies there next to each value. Our doctor assesses your result against that reference range and your personal context.
A cell type below the reference
A lower count of one cell type occurs, for example, during or shortly after a viral infection, with some medicines and sometimes without an apparent reason in healthy people. On its own it is not a diagnosis; our doctor places the value in the context of your other results.
A split within the reference
If the total and the five cell types are within the laboratory reference range, that gives a reassuring picture of your white blood cells at the time of testing.
A cell type above the reference
A raised cell type often fits a temporary response of the body, such as an infection, recent heavy exertion, stress or an allergic reaction, and can also be related to medicines such as corticosteroids. Which cell type is raised gives a direction, not a diagnosis.
How we interpret your result
Our doctors assess your white cell differential against the laboratory reference range and your personal context, such as recent infections, exertion, allergies and medication. Where useful, they place the split next to your CRP, ESR and blood count.
Related tests
Often combined with White cell differential.
A single marker gives one perspective. For a broader picture you can combine White cell differential with a theme package or related markers.
+ 29,- blood draw fee per orderFree from 225,-
Frequently asked questions
Everything you want to know
Do I need to fast for a white cell differential?
No, you do not need to fast. Preferably do not plan the blood draw straight after heavy exertion, as that can temporarily raise the number of white blood cells.
What is the difference between a white cell count and the differential?
A white cell count only counts the total number of white blood cells. The differential also shows how that total is split across neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. A normal total can hide an uneven split; the differential makes it visible.
Is the differential part of the full blood count?
No, the Bloodworks full blood count counts the total number of white blood cells, but not the split across the five cell types. If you want that split, order the differential separately or choose a package that includes it, such as Immunity & Inflammation or Bloodworks Platinum.
What do the five types of white blood cells do?
Neutrophils are the first line of defence against bacteria. Lymphocytes play a central role in the defence against viruses and in immune memory. Monocytes clear away pathogens and cell debris. Eosinophils are involved in allergic reactions, and basophils are a small group that also takes part in them.
Can an infection or a cold affect the result?
Yes. During and shortly after an infection the split often changes temporarily: with a bacterial infection the neutrophils usually rise, with a viral infection the balance often shifts towards the lymphocytes. If you want a baseline value, plan the test for a moment when you feel well.
Do medicines affect the result?
Some medicines can change the counts, for example corticosteroids such as prednisone. Report your medication at the intake, so our doctor can assess your result in that context.
What is the difference with CRP?
CRP is a protein the liver produces during inflammation and shows how much inflammatory activity there is. The differential looks at the immune cells themselves and shows how they are split across the five types and which type is out of range in number. They measure something different and complement each other.
How is the result presented?
You see the total number of white blood cells and a value for each cell type, with the laboratory reference range alongside. Our doctor explains your result personally in your PDF report.
How quickly will I have the result?
The result is usually available within 2 working days after the blood draw, including a personal explanation from a doctor. You do not need a referral.
Where do you give blood?
You can give blood at collection points across the Netherlands, usually without an appointment.
Find a collection point near you or read how a blood draw works.
Want to test multiple markers at once?
Combine White cell differential with other markers via Bloodworks Select. The blood draw and collection fee is charged once per order, and is waived from 225,-.
Ready for insight into your white blood cells?
You receive your white cell differential including a personal explanation from a doctor, usually within 2 working days. No referral required.