What does the Differential - DIF blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:
The Differential (DIF) test is a crucial component of the Complete Blood Count (CBC). It measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) in your blood, including: - Neutrophils - Lymphocytes - Monocytes - Eosinophils - Basophils Each type of WBC plays a specific role in your immune system. The DIF test helps doctors assess your overall immune health, detect infections, inflammatory conditions, allergies, and certain blood disorders. It can also help monitor the effectiveness of treatments for various conditions affecting the immune system.
A low reading in the Differential test typically means a decrease in one or more types of white blood cells. This could indicate:
Low counts of specific WBCs can suggest different conditions. For example, low neutrophils (neutropenia) can increase risk of bacterial infections, while low lymphocytes might indicate problems with the immune system’s ability to fight viral infections.
A high reading in the Differential test typically means an increase in one or more types of white blood cells. This could indicate:
High counts of specific WBCs can suggest different conditions. For example, high neutrophils often indicate bacterial infections, while high lymphocytes might suggest viral infections or certain types of leukemia. High eosinophils could point to allergies or parasitic infections.