Difference Between Differential and Total White Blood Cell Count

The main difference between differential and total white blood cell count is that differential white blood cell count gives the relative percentage of each type of white blood cells in the blood, revealing the abnormal white blood cell populations whereas total white blood cell count gives the count of total white blood cells in the blood. 

Differential and total white blood cell count are two simple tests that count white blood cells in the blood. As they are responsible for triggering the humoral immunity, the variable number of white blood cells indicates clinical conditions. The white blood cells found in the blood are neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes. The normal concentration of white blood cells is 4,000- 10,000 per microliter.  

Key Areas Covered 

1. What is Differential White Blood Cell Count
     – Definition, Count, Importance
2. What is Total White Blood Cell Count
     – Definition, Count, Importance
3. What are the Similarities Between Differential and Total White Blood Cell Count
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Differential and Total White Blood Cell Count
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms: Cell Count, Clinical Conditions, Differential White Blood Cell Count, Total White Blood Cell Count, Types

What is Differential White Blood Cell Count 

Differential white blood count refers to the proportions of each type of white blood cell in the blood. There are two types of white blood cells as granulocytes and agranulocytes. Granulocytes include neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils, which have granules in the cytoplasm and lobular nuclei. Agranulocytes are lymphocytes and monocytes, which lack granules and lobular nuclei. 

White Blood Cells Normal Values 

Reference range of the white blood cells is shown in figure 1.

Figure 1: Reference Range of White Blood Cells

The increase or decrease of each type of white blood cell indicates specific clinical conditions as described in table 2. 

Clinical Conditions Indicated by White Blood Cells  

What is Total White Blood Cell Count 

Total white blood cell count measures the number of white blood cells in the unit volume of blood. The normal count of white blood cells is 4,000-10,000 cells per microliter. The lifespan of white blood cells in the body is 13-20 days. The immature white blood cells released into the blood are called stabs or bands. The main function of white blood cells is to fight with pathogens, mainly through phagocytosis. In addition, lymphocytes play a vital role in adaptive immunity. 

Figure 2: Different Types of White Blood Cells

A high white blood cell count may indicate; 

1. An increased production of white blood cells due to an infection 
2. A disease of bone marrow that causes the increase of white blood cell production 
3. An immune system disorder 
4. A reaction to a drug 

A low white blood cell count may indicate; 

1. Viral infections that disrupt bone marrow function 
2. Congenital disorders 
3. Cancer 
4. Autoimmune diseases 
5. Some antibiotics 
6. Sarcoidosis 

Similarities Between Differential and Total White Blood Cell Count 

• Differential and total white blood cell count are simple tests that count white blood cells in the blood. 
• Both help to identify various clinical conditions based on the count of the white blood cells of an individual. 

Difference Between Differential and Total White Blood Cell Count 

Definition 

Differential White Blood Cell Count: A measure of the proportions of each type of white blood cell in the blood

Total White Blood Cell Count: A measure of the number of white blood cells in the unit volume of blood

Type of Count 

Differential White Blood Cell Count: Counts each type of white blood cells 

Total White Blood Cell Count: Counts the total white blood cells in a unit volume of blood 

Values 

Differential White Blood Cell Count: 2,500-7,000 neutrophils, 100-300 eosinophils, 40-100 basophils, 1,700-35,000  lymphocytes, 200-600 monocytes

Total White Blood Cell Count: 4,000-10,000 cells per microliter 

Related Clinical Conditions 

Differential White Blood Cell Count: Differ with the type of white blood cell 

Total White Blood Cell Count: Infections, bone marrow disease, an immune system disorder or certain drugs cause variations

Conclusion 

Differential white blood cell count gives the count of each type of white blood cells while the total white blood cell count gives the total number of white blood cells in the blood. Both differential and the total white blood cell count are blood tests that help to determine diseases. The main difference between differential and total white blood cell count  is the type of cell count given by each. 

Reference:

1. “White Blood Cell Count and Differential.” Healthline, Healthline Media, Available Here
2. “WBC (White Blood Cell) Count: Purpose, Procedure, and Results.” Healthline, Healthline Media, Available Here

Image Courtesy:

1. “Reference ranges for blood tests – white blood cells” By Häggström, Mikael (2014). “Medical gallery of Mikael Häggström 2014”. WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2). DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.008. ISSN 2002-4436. Public Domain.orBy Mikael Häggström, used with permission. – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Blausen 0909 WhiteBloodCells” By Blausen.com staff (2014). “Medical gallery of Blausen Medical 2014”. WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2). DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 2002-4436. – Own work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia