--- title: Lymphocytes Test type: biomarker url: "https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/lymphocytes" also_known_as: - lymphocytes - lymphocytes % - lymphocytes (relative) - lymphocyte category: Blood Health units: - "%" order_price_usd: 21.99 order_item: CBC with Differential order_url: "https://www.test-well.com/tests/cbc-with-differential" reviewed_at: 2026-09-06 --- # Lymphocytes > Lymphocytes is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 20.0 – 40.0 %. At TestWell it's $21.99 all-in as CBC with Differential, results in 1–3 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis. Also known as: lymphocytes, lymphocytes %, lymphocytes (relative), lymphocyte. ## Key facts | Fact | Value | | --- | --- | | Units | % | | Sample | Blood draw | | Fasting | Not required | | Results | 1–3 business days | | Price | $21.99 | | Labs | Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ | ## What does Lymphocytes measure? White blood cells central to your immune response, especially against viruses. ## What is the normal range for Lymphocytes? | Population | Reference range | | --- | --- | | age 18+ | 20.0 – 40.0 % | Reference intervals differ slightly between labs; the range printed on your report is the one to interpret against. Ranges are usually set so 95% of healthy people fall inside them. ## What does a high Lymphocytes mean? A high lymphocyte count (lymphocytosis) most often follows a viral infection — mononucleosis, CMV, hepatitis, pertussis, or the recovery phase of many others — and settles in weeks. In older adults, a persistent, unexplained rise (especially above ~5 × 10³/µL) is evaluated for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, which is common and often found incidentally on a routine CBC. ### Common causes of high Lymphocytes 1. Viral infections (EBV mononucleosis, CMV, viral hepatitis), pertussis, toxoplasmosis 2. Recovery phase of acute infections 3. Smoking, stress, after spleen removal 4. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and other lymphoproliferative disorders (persistent, usually older adults) ### Symptoms that go with high Lymphocytes - Sore throat, fatigue, swollen glands with infection - Often none ### What clinicians usually check next - Absolute lymphocyte count and a repeat in 4–6 weeks - Peripheral smear; EBV/CMV testing if symptoms fit - Flow cytometry if the count stays high without infection Follow-up tests at TestWell: [CMV IgM Antibody (Cytomegalovirus)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/cmv-igm-antibody) ($40.99), [CMV IgG Antibody (Cytomegalovirus)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/cmv-igg-antibody) ($40.99), [CMV IgG + IgM Antibodies (Cytomegalovirus)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/cmv-igg-igm-antibodies) ($74.99), [Colon Cancer Screening Test (FIT)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/fit-fecal-immunochemical-test) ($59.99). ### Seek care promptly if - Lymphocytosis with unexplained weight loss, night sweats, enlarged lymph nodes or bruising — prompt evaluation **How long do lymphocytes stay high after mono?** Typically 4–8 weeks, sometimes longer. A count that is still rising months later without infection needs a hematology look. ## What does a low Lymphocytes mean? A low lymphocyte count (lymphopenia) is common and often transient — acute infections, stress, recent surgery and corticosteroids all lower it. Persistent lymphopenia is seen with HIV, autoimmune disease, malnutrition, chemotherapy and other immunosuppressants, and some marrow disorders. Below about 1.0 × 10³/µL, or with recurrent infections, it deserves a closer look. ### Common causes of low Lymphocytes 1. Acute infection (including COVID and influenza), stress, surgery 2. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, chemotherapy, radiation 3. HIV, autoimmune disease (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) 4. Malnutrition, alcohol use disorder, zinc deficiency 5. Lymphoma and marrow disorders (less common) ### Symptoms that go with low Lymphocytes - Usually none - Frequent or unusual infections when severe ### What clinicians usually check next - Repeat in 4–6 weeks when well - HIV test; medication review - Immunoglobulins and lymphocyte subsets if persistent Follow-up tests at TestWell: [HIV 1/2 Antigen & Antibodies (4th Gen)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/hiv-test) ($39.99). **Can stress lower lymphocytes?** Yes — cortisol shifts lymphocytes out of the bloodstream, so acute illness, surgery and steroid medication all produce a temporary drop. ## How do you get tested for Lymphocytes? | Order | Type | Price | Includes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [CBC with Differential](https://www.test-well.com/tests/cbc-with-differential) | Single test | $21.99 | This marker | | [General Wellness Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/general-wellness-panel) | Panel | $49.99 | 4 tests | | [Baseline Anemia Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/anemia-panel) | Panel | $74.99 | 5 tests | | [Fatty Liver Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/fatty-liver-panel) | Panel | $92.99 | 6 tests | | [Post-COVID Recovery Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/post-covid-panel) | Panel | $99.99 | 7 tests | ## Quest vs Labcorp vs BioReference | Lab | Available | Price | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $21.99 | Choose Quest at checkout; walk-in patient service centers in every state TestWell serves outside NY and NJ. | | Labcorp | Yes | $21.99 | Choose Labcorp at checkout; walk-in patient service centers in every state TestWell serves outside NY and NJ. | | BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $18.99 | New York and New Jersey orders route here automatically — state rules keep Quest and Labcorp from accepting self-ordered draws. | ## Common questions about Lymphocytes ### Do I need a doctor's order to test my lymphocytes? No. TestWell's licensed physician network reviews and approves your order — usually within minutes. You can place an order online without an in-person visit or a referral from your own doctor. ### How long does it take to get Lymphocytes results? Most Lymphocytes results are available in 1–3 business days after your specimen arrives at the lab. You'll get an email the moment your results are ready, with everything viewable in your TestWell portal. ### How much does a Lymphocytes test cost? Our CBC with Differential starts at $21.99. That's the all-in price — no copays, no insurance hoops, no surprise bills. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. ### Do I need to fast before my Lymphocytes test? Fasting is not required for the Lymphocytes test. You can have your blood drawn any time of day. ### Which lab will process my Lymphocytes test? Your test will be processed by Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, or BioReference depending on which is closest to you and which lab carries the test. All three are CLIA-certified and trusted by hospitals nationwide. You'll choose your lab during checkout from 4,000+ locations. ## Sources - [AACC Lab Tests Online](https://www.testing.com/tests/wbc-differential/) - [MedlinePlus (NIH) — Blood Differential](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/blood-differential/) ## Related biomarkers - [Hemoglobin](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/hemoglobin) - [Hematocrit](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/hematocrit) - [White Blood Cell Count](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/white-blood-cell-count) - [Platelet Count](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/platelet-count) - [Red Blood Cell Count](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/red-blood-cell-count) - [MCV](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/mcv) - [Reference range lookup tool](https://www.test-well.com/tools/reference-range-lookup) - [Lab unit converter](https://www.test-well.com/tools/lab-unit-converter) - [All biomarkers](https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers) --- Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD (Medical Reviewer, TestWell); last reviewed 2026-09-06. Review policy: https://www.test-well.com/reviewers/youmna-distefano-md Canonical page: https://www.test-well.com/biomarkers/lymphocytes Machine-readable catalog: https://www.test-well.com/api/catalog.json · MCP server: https://www.test-well.com/mcp · Overview for agents: https://www.test-well.com/llms.txt Prices are cash-pay, in USD, and include physician authorization; every order adds one flat $6 lab processing fee. Educational content is not a diagnosis — discuss results with a clinician.