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White Blood Cell
Differential Count

Also known as: Leukocyte differential count; Peripheral differential; White blood cell morphology; WBC differential; Diff
Formal name: White Blood Cell Count Differential
Related tests: Complete blood count; Blood smear

Common Questions

1.  What are the individual functions of each type of white blood cell?

  • Neutrophils, the most common white blood cells, are infection-fighters that increase during bacterial or fungal infections.
  • Lymphocytes are responsible for the immune response and regulation of antibody production. They are increased in some leukemias.
  • Monocytes are another type of phagocyte that ingests foreign cells. These may increase in some leukemias (different types from those that increase the lymphocytes).
  • Eosinophils are a type of phagocyte that increases during allergic attacks and some parasitic infestations.
  • Basophils control inflammation and damage to the body. They increase in some blood diseases and poisoning.

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2.  What are other names for neutrophils that might appear on a lab report?

Neutrophils are also known as granulocytes (grans), polys, PMNs, or segs.

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