What this test measures
A 6-part differential hemogram includes everything in a standard CBC plus a more detailed white-cell breakdown. Modern automated analysers count neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils — and also report immature granulocytes (IG%) or band cells as the sixth fraction. The IG% rises early in bacterial infection / inflammation, often before the total WBC count itself rises.
The full panel reports haemoglobin, RBC count, total WBC, platelet count, haematocrit (PCV), MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, and the six-cell WBC differential with absolute counts for each subtype.
Why it matters
A 6-part differential picks up early infection, marrow stress and atypical cell populations that a 3-part count would miss. The immature granulocyte fraction is an early marker of bacterial sepsis — useful in emergency triage, neonatal care, and ICU monitoring. Eosinophilia (common in India because of helminthic infestation, allergy, and asthma) and lymphopenia (HIV, viral illness, steroids) are also flagged clearly.
For most Indian outpatient settings the 6-part hemogram has become the default CBC: it provides more clinical signal at marginal additional cost, and helps guide whether to add a peripheral smear, culture, or further haematology workup.
How to prepare
No fasting required. Eat and drink normally. Vigorous exercise immediately before sampling can transiently shift cell counts. If you are on chemotherapy, immunosuppressants or anticoagulants, take your usual doses unless your doctor says otherwise. Mention any recent infection, vaccination or steroid use — these affect WBC counts.
Markers & reference ranges
Reference ranges below are typical adult values. Your lab's reported range may differ slightly based on the assay platform and patient demographics — always read your report against the range printed on it.
| Marker | Normal range | If low | If high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haemoglobin (Hb) (g/dL)[1] | Men 13.5–17.5 · Women 12.0–15.5 · Pregnancy ≥11.0 | Anemia. Iron deficiency is by far the most common cause in Indian adults (especially women of reproductive age and pregnant women). Also consider B12 / folate deficiency, chronic disease, haemoglobinopathy. | High Hb. Dehydration, smoking, chronic lung / heart disease, high altitude, or rarely polycythaemia vera. |
| Total Leucocyte Count (×10⁹/L) | 4.0 – 11.0 | Leucopenia. Viral infection, marrow suppression, autoimmune disease, severe sepsis, B12 deficiency. | Leucocytosis. Bacterial infection, inflammation, steroid use, stress, leukemia. The differential identifies the driving subset. |
| Neutrophils (Absolute count) (×10⁹/L) | 2.0 – 7.0 | Neutropenia. < 1.5 raises infection risk; < 0.5 = severe neutropenia (febrile-neutropenia precautions). | Neutrophilia. Bacterial infection, tissue injury, post-surgery, steroids, severe stress. |
| Lymphocytes (Absolute count) (×10⁹/L) | 1.0 – 3.5 | Lymphopenia. Viral infection (HIV in advanced stages), steroids, immunosuppression, sepsis. | Lymphocytosis. Viral infections (EBV, CMV, COVID-19), tuberculosis, pertussis, CLL in older adults. |
| Eosinophils (Absolute count) (×10⁹/L) | 0.04 – 0.4 | Usually clinically insignificant. | Eosinophilia. Helminth / parasitic infection (very common in India), allergy, asthma, drug reaction, hypereosinophilic syndrome, certain cancers. |
| Immature Granulocytes (IG%) (%)[1] | < 0.5% | Normal — bone marrow is releasing mature neutrophils only. | Raised IG% (sometimes called "left shift") indicates marrow stress — early bacterial infection, sepsis, inflammation, or marrow recovery after chemotherapy. Useful early warning before total WBC rises. |
| Platelet Count (×10⁹/L) | 150 – 450 | Thrombocytopenia. Dengue and viral fevers (very common in India), ITP, hypersplenism, severe sepsis, drug-induced. | Thrombocytosis. Reactive (post-infection, blood loss, iron deficiency) or primary (essential thrombocythaemia). |
6-part differential — typical clinical patterns
| Pattern | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Neutrophilia + raised IG% | Acute bacterial infection / sepsis |
| Lymphocytosis with atypical cells | Viral infection (EBV, CMV, COVID-19) |
| Eosinophilia | Parasitic infestation, allergy, asthma |
| Pancytopenia (low Hb + WBC + platelets) | Marrow suppression, aplastic anemia, leukemia |
| Low Hb, microcytic, normal WBC | Iron deficiency or thalassemia trait |
| Thrombocytopenia in fever | Dengue, malaria, viral fever — repeat in 24h |
Frequently asked questions
How is a 6-part hemogram different from a regular CBC?
A 3-part CBC reports only granulocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes as broad groups. A 6-part hemogram breaks granulocytes down into neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils and adds immature granulocytes (IG%) — a more detailed picture useful for spotting early infection or allergy.
Do I need to fast for this test?
No. Fasting is not required for any CBC / hemogram.
What does "left shift" mean on my report?
A "left shift" or raised IG% means immature white cells (bands / metamyelocytes) are appearing in the blood — usually an early sign of bacterial infection or marrow stress.
Why does my report show high eosinophils?
In India, the most common cause is intestinal worm infestation, allergy, asthma, or a drug reaction. Persistent eosinophilia warrants a stool ova-and-parasite test and an allergy / IgE workup.
My platelet count is 1.2 lakh — is that dangerous?
A platelet count of 1.2 lakh (120 ×10⁹/L) is mildly low but rarely dangerous in isolation. If you have a recent viral fever, dengue is a common reversible cause — recheck in a few days. Seek urgent care for bleeding gums, unusual bruising, or rashes.
How long does the report take?
NABL-accredited labs typically deliver hemogram reports within 4–6 hours of sample collection.
Can I do this test at home?
Yes — Zelnoo offers free home phlebotomy across Mumbai and Thane. The sample is collected in an EDTA tube and reported digitally within hours.
Related Microbiology / Urine / Stool tests
Tests commonly ordered alongside HEMOGRAM - 6 PART (DIFF), or that help interpret an unexpected result.
Sources & references
- NIH MedlinePlus — Complete Blood Count · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- WHO — Haemoglobin Concentrations for Anaemia · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- NCBI StatPearls — White Blood Cell Differential · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- NCBI StatPearls — Left Shift · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
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