White Blood Cell
Differential Count

Also known as: Differential leucocyte count; White blood cell morphology; WBC differential; Diff

Related tests: Full blood count

Common Questions

Neutrophils, the most abundant white blood cells, are 'phagocytes' - that is, they 'eat' foreign organisms and kill them with internal poisons. They are important for fighting bacterial and fungal infections.
Lymphocytes are more specifically acting killers of infection and regulate the immune response. B-lymphocytes produce antibodies. T-cell act as messenger cells, directing the immune response. T-cells and NK-cells can act directly to kill specific infective organisms. Lymphocytes are the cells which 'remember' previous infections and guard against reinfection with the same organism. They are active against all types of infection including bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. When they malfunction they also have a role in allergy and in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Monocytes are phagocytes, like neutrophils, active against bacteria, fungi, and tuberculosis.
Eosinophils increase during allergic attacks and some parasitic infestations.
Basophils control inflammation and damage to the body. They increase in some blood diseases and poisoning.

Neutrophils are also known as granulocytes, polymorphs, and PMNs.

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