Eight analytes. One lavender-top tube. No differential. The CBC without differential with platelets (order code CBCP) reports white cell, red cell and platelet counts with the red cell indices. It is ordered when you need core hematology numbers without a cell-type breakdown.
At a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Test name | CBC w/o Diff, with Platelets (aliases: CBCP, CBC without differential) |
| Category | Hematology |
| Specimen | Blood (LAV) |
| Turnaround | 24-48 hours from receipt of sample |
| Ordered by | Requesting physician |
What it detects
| Group | Analytes |
|---|---|
| White cells | WBC |
| Red cells | RBC, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit |
| Red cell indices | MCV, MCH, MCHC |
| Platelets | Platelet Count |
Reference ranges on the Total Lab Solutions sample report:
| Analyte | Units | Reference range |
|---|---|---|
| WBC | K/UL | 3.8-11.0 |
| RBC | M/UL | 4.50-6.10 |
| Hemoglobin | G/DL | 13.5-17.0 |
| Hematocrit | % | 40.0-51.0 |
| MCV | FL | 80.0-99.0 |
| MCH | PG | 25.0-33.0 |
| MCHC | G/DL | 31.0-36.0 |
| Platelet Count | K/UL | 130-400 |
When to order it
Order CBCP when the clinical question is answered by counts and indices alone:
- Anemia work-up or follow-up. RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH and MCHC are reported together.
- Leukopenia or leukocytosis tracking. WBC is reported as a total count.
- Platelet monitoring. Platelet count is included in the same specimen.
- Baseline or routine hematology. A single tube covers the full set of eight analytes.
If you need the relative proportions of cell types, order CBC w/Auto Diff (order code CBCAD, also a LAV specimen) instead.
Specimen collection
- Container: Lavender-top (LAV) tube, per the test record and the hematology requisition form.
- Requisition: Mark the CBCP order code on the Total Lab Solutions clinical hematology requisition form.
- Collection guides: Total Lab Solutions provides a one-page Complete Blood Count (CBC) collection guide to partner facilities at no cost. It covers patient prep, step-by-step technique, common mistakes and the lab phone line. See our lab services for skilled nursing facilities.
Draw volume and stability windows are not stated in the materials for this test. Confirm them with the lab before collection through the contact page.
Understanding the report
Results are listed analyte by analyte. Each line shows the result, the units, the reference range and the performing lab. Values within range and values outside range sit in separate columns, so an abnormal value stands out. In the sample report, a WBC of 2.9 K/UL appears in the outside-range column with an "L" flag against a 3.8-11.0 range. The other seven analytes in that sample fall within range.
Why order it from Total Lab Solutions
- Defined report layout. Out-of-range results are separated from in-range results and flagged, so you can find the abnormal value at a glance.
- Accredited testing. Unless otherwise indicated, testing on the sample report is performed at Clinical Pathology Laboratories, Inc., Austin, TX (CLIA 45D0505003, CAP 21525-01).
- Collection support for your staff. A CBC collection guide comes in the library provided to partner facilities at no cost.
- One requisition for the full hematology menu. CBCP and CBCAD appear on the same form as related tests such as hemoglobin, hematocrit and ESR. See the full testing panel, including Hemoglobin A1c.
Frequently asked questions
What does a CBC without differential with platelets include, and how does it differ from a CBC with differential?
It reports eight analytes: WBC, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC and platelet count. A CBC with differential (CBCAD) adds the cell-type breakdown. In a sample report, that breakdown lists neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils as percentages.
When is a CBC without differential clinically appropriate to order instead of a CBC with differential?
Order it when counts and red cell indices answer the question and the proportions of white cell types will not change management. Examples are routine hematology, anemia indices and platelet monitoring. If you need the cell-type breakdown, order the CBC with differential. The choice is yours as the ordering clinician.
What specimen type, collection tube, and handling requirements apply to a CBC without differential with platelets?
The specimen is blood collected in a lavender-top (LAV) tube. Draw volume and stability windows are not documented in the materials for this test. Confirm them with the lab before collection, or pull the CBC collection guide from the library we provide to partner facilities.
What is the typical turnaround time for CBC without differential results, and can the lab accommodate STAT requests?
Turnaround is 24-48 hours from receipt of sample. STAT handling is not documented for this test. Contact the lab directly to ask about urgent needs at 248.800.6626.
Which CPT code applies to a CBC without differential with platelets, and what are common billing or medical necessity considerations?
A CPT code is not listed for this test in the materials available here, so confirm billing details with the lab before submitting claims. Medical necessity is determined by the requesting physician, who orders this test. The contact page has the details.
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