Quick highlights
- Breakdown of WBC types: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils
- Helps interpret infection vs allergy/inflammation patterns
- Often part of CBC but can be ordered separately
- Absolute counts can be more informative than percentages
- No fasting; EDTA blood sample
- Steroids and recent infections can change distribution—disclose history
- Useful for monitoring eosinophilia and neutrophil/lymphocyte patterns
- Home blood collection available in many service areas
- Supports clinician decision-making with symptom correlation
- SEO coverage: DLC test, WBC differential count, neutrophils lymphocytes eosinophils test
What’s included
Preparation
- Book blood draw (home or lab)
- No fasting required
- Inform clinician about current fever, allergies, asthma, and medication use (steroids)
- Collect EDTA blood sample via trained phlebotomist
- Download report from <a href='/my-account/'>View reports</a>
- Review with clinician along with total WBC or CBC
- If abnormal, clinician may request repeat or peripheral smear
- Track trends over time if monitoring a condition
FAQs
It measures the distribution of different white blood cell types in blood.
No.
Usually yes; many labs report WBC differential as part of CBC.
It can occur in bacterial infection, stress, or inflammation; clinicians interpret with context.
It may be seen in viral infections or other conditions; clinician interpretation is required.
Often associated with allergies, asthma, or parasitic patterns, but causes vary; clinician evaluation is needed.
Absolute counts are often more informative; clinicians consider both.
EDTA whole blood.
Often same day or within 24 hours.
Yes; steroids and other medicines can change WBC distribution.
If your clinician is monitoring trends, repeat testing may be advised.
No. It provides supportive patterns; clinicians may order cultures or other tests.
Download from <a href='/my-account/'>View reports</a>.
CBC, CRP, ESR, peripheral smear, and specific infection tests depending on symptoms.
Notes
DLC changes must be correlated clinically.
