What is a Blood Differential Test?

A blood differential test measures the amount of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your body. White blood cells (leukocytes) are part of your immune system, a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect you from infection. There are five different types of white blood cells:

Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cell. They are your body’s main defense against infection when bacteria, viruses, or other germs enter your body.

Lymphocytes include two main types of white blood cells: B cells and T cells. B cells fight off invading viruses, bacteria, or toxins. Certain T cells can target and destroy your body’s own cells, such as cancer cells and cells that have been infected by viruses.

Monocytes kill bacteria, viruses, and other germs that may make you sick. They also boost your body’s immune response and clear away dead cells.

Eosinophils defend against parasites and infections. They are also involved in allergies and help control inflammation (swelling and redness).

Basophils release enzymes during allergic reactions and asthma attacks.

However, your test results may have more than five numbers. For example, the lab may list the results as counts as well as percentages.

Other names for a blood differential test: Complete blood count (CBC) with differential, Differential, White blood cell differential count, Leukocyte differential count

What is it used for?

A blood differential test is often part of a general physical exam. Because the five types of white blood cell do different jobs, measuring them separately can give your health care provider important information about your health.

The test can also help diagnose a variety of medical conditions, such as:

Infections

Autoimmune diseases

Inflammatory diseases

Leukemia and other types of cancer

Why do I need a blood differential test?

A blood differential test is used for many reasons. Your provider may have ordered the test to:

Monitor your overall health or as part of a routine checkup.

Diagnose a medical condition when you have symptoms. For example, if you are feeling unusually tired or weak, or have unexplained bruising or other symptoms, this test may help uncover the cause.

Keep track of an existing blood disorder or related condition.

What happens during a blood differential test?

A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

What do the results mean?

There are many reasons your blood differential test results may be higher or lower than normal. For example, a high white blood cell count may mean you have an infection, an immune disorder, leukemia, or an allergic reaction. A low count may be caused by bone marrow problems, reactions to medicines, or cancer.

But abnormal results don’t always mean you have a condition that needs medical treatment. Factors such as exercise, diet, alcohol level, medicines, and even a woman’s menstrual period can affect the results.

If your results seem abnormal, your provider may order more specific tests to help figure out the cause. To learn what your results mean, talk with your provider.

Is there anything else I need to know about a blood differential test?

Use of certain steroids may increase your white blood cell count, which can lead to an abnormal result in your blood differential test.

What is a Hemoglobin Test?

A hemoglobin test measures the levels of hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. If your hemoglobin levels are abnormal, it may be a sign that you have a blood disorder.

What is it used for?

A hemoglobin test is often used to check for anemia, a condition in which your body has fewer red blood cells than normal. If you have anemia, the cells in your body don’t get all the oxygen they need. Hemoglobin tests are measured as part of a complete blood count (CBC).

Why do I need a hemoglobin test?

Your health care provider may order the test as part of a routine exam, or if you have:

Symptoms of anemia, which include weakness, dizziness, and cold hands and feet

A family history of thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, or other inherited blood disorder

A diet low in iron and other minerals

A long-term infection

Excessive blood loss from an injury or surgical procedure

What happens during a hemoglobin test?

A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

You don’t need any special preparation for a hemoglobin test. If your health care provider has ordered other tests on your blood sample, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test. Your health care provider will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow.

Are there any risks to the test?

There is very little risk to having a blood test. After the test, some people experience mild pain, dizziness, or bruising. These symptoms usually go away quickly.

What do the results mean?

There are many reasons your hemoglobin levels may not be in the normal range.

Low hemoglobin levels may be a sign of:

Different types of anemia

Thalassemia

Iron deficiency

Liver disease

Cancer and other diseases

High hemoglobin levels may be a sign of:

Lung disease

Heart disease

Polycythemia vera, a disorder in which your body makes too many red blood cells. It can cause headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

If any of your levels are abnormal, it doesn’t always mean you have a medical condition that needs treatment. Diet, activity level, medicines, a menstrual period, and other factors can affect the results. You may also have higher than normal hemoglobin levels if you live in a high altitude area. Talk with your provider to learn what your results mean.

Is there anything else I need to know about a hemoglobin test?

Some forms of anemia are mild, while other types of anemia can be serious and even life threatening if not treated. If you are diagnosed with anemia, be sure to talk to your health care provider to find out the best treatment plan for you.

Ova and Parasite Test

An ova and parasite test looks for parasites and their eggs (ova) in a sample of your stool. A parasite is a tiny plant or animal that gets nutrients by living off another creature. Parasites can live in your digestive system and cause illness. These are known as intestinal parasites. Intestinal parasites affect tens of millions of people around the world. They are more common in countries where sanitation is poor.

The most common types of parasites in the U.S. include giardia and cryptosporidium, often referred to as crypto. These parasites are commonly found in:

Rivers, lakes, and streams, even in those that appear clean

Swimming pools and hot tubs

Surfaces such as bathroom handles and faucets, diaper changing tables, and toys. These surfaces may contain traces of stool from an infected person.

Food

Soil

Many people get infected with an intestinal parasite when they accidentally swallow contaminated water or take a drink from a lake or stream. Children at day care centers are also at higher risk for infection. Children may pick up the parasite by touching an infected surface and putting their fingers in their mouths.

Fortunately, most parasite infections go away on their own or are easily treated. But a parasite infection can cause serious complications in people with weakened immune systems. Your immune system may be weakened by HIV/AIDS, cancer, or other disorders. Infants and older adults also have weaker immune systems.

Other names: parasitic examination (stool), stool sample exam, stool O&P, fecal smear

What is it used for?

An ova and parasite test is used to find out if parasites are infecting your digestive system. If you’ve already been diagnosed with a parasite infection, the test may be used to see if your treatment is working.

Why do I need an ova and parasite test?

Your health care provider may order tests if you or your child has symptoms of an intestinal parasite. These include:

Diarrhea that lasts for more than a few days

Abdominal pain

Blood and/or mucus in the stool

Nausea and vomiting

Gas

Fever

Weight loss

Sometimes these symptoms go away without treatment, and testing is not needed. But testing may be ordered if you or your child has symptoms of a parasite infection and are at higher risk for complications. Risk factors include:

Age. Infants and older adults have weaker immune systems. This can make infections more dangerous.

Illness. Certain illnesses such as HIV/AIDS and cancer can weaken the immune system.

Certain medicines. Some medical conditions are treated with drugs that suppress the immune system. This can make a parasite infection more serious.

Worsening symptoms. If your symptoms don’t improve over time, you may need medicine or other treatment.

What happens during an ova and parasite test?

You will need to provide a sample of your stool. Your provider or your child’s provider will give you specific instructions on how to collect and send in your sample. Your instructions may include the following:

Put on a pair of rubber or latex gloves.

Collect and store the stool in a special container given to you by your health care provider or a lab.

If you have diarrhea, you can tape a large plastic bag to the toilet seat. It may be easier to collect your stool this way. You will then put the bag into the container.

Make sure no urine, toilet water, or toilet paper mixes in with the sample.

Seal and label the container.

Remove the gloves, and wash your hands.

Return the container to your health care provider as soon as possible. Parasites may be harder to find when stool is not tested quickly enough. If you are unable to get to your provider right away, you should refrigerate your sample until you are ready deliver it.

If you need to collect a sample from a baby, you will need to:

Put on a pair of rubber or latex gloves.

Line the baby’s diaper with plastic wrap

Position the wrap to help prevent urine and stool from mixing together.

Place the plastic wrapped sample in a special container given to you by your child’s provider.

Remove the gloves, and wash your hands.

Return the container to the provider as soon as possible. If you are unable to get to your provider right away, you should refrigerate your sample until you are ready deliver it.

You may need to collect several stool samples from yourself or your child over a period of a few days. This is because parasites may not be detected in every sample. Multiple samples increase the chance the parasites will be found.

What do the results mean?

A negative result means no parasites were found. This can mean you don’t have a parasite infection or there were not enough parasites to be detected. Your health care provider may retest and/or order different tests to help make a diagnosis.

A positive result means you’ve been infected with a parasite. The results will also show the type and number of parasites you have.

Treatment for an intestinal parasite infection almost always includes drinking plenty of fluids. This is because diarrhea and vomiting can cause dehydration (the loss of too much fluid from your body). Treatment may also include medicines that get rid of the parasites and/or relieve symptoms.

If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.

Is there anything else I need to know about an ova and parasite test?

There are steps you can take to help prevent a parasite infection. They include:

Always wash your hands after going to the bathroom, changing a diaper, and before handling food.

Don’t drink water from lakes, streams, or rivers, unless you know for sure it has been treated.

When camping or traveling to certain countries where the water supply may not be safe, avoid tap water, ice, and uncooked foods washed with tap water. Bottled water is safe.

If you are unsure if water is safe, boil it before drinking. Boiling water for one to three minutes will kill the parasites. Wait until the water cools before drinking.