Somatic Cell Count (SCC) - Milk
A somatic cell count (SCC) counts the cells in a milk sample, most of them white blood cells. A rising count can signal udder inflammation such as mastitis in cows and buffaloes, even when the milk looks normal.
- Sample
- Fresh milk (quarter or composite)
- Quantity
- As advised
- Report
- Confirmed when you book
- Collection
- Free in Bhopal
What this test checks
- The number of somatic cells in each millilitre of milk
- White blood cells that move into the udder when it is inflamed or infected
- Udder health of one quarter, or of the whole animal from a composite sample
- Changes in the count over time when the test is repeated
Benefits of this test
- Gives a measured count, not just a by-eye score.
- Can help find hidden mastitis in animals whose milk looks normal.
- Can be repeated to see whether a quarter or an animal is getting better or worse.
- Helps your vet decide which animals or quarters need a milk culture.
- Gives dairy farmers and cooperatives a clear record of udder health over time.
When your vet may advise it
- A cow or buffalo giving less milk with no clots or other visible change.
- A positive California Mastitis Test that your vet wants measured more exactly.
- Regular udder health checks in a dairy herd.
- Before buying a milking animal.
- Following up an animal or quarter that has had mastitis before.
- When a milk buyer or cooperative raises concerns about milk quality.
About this test
A somatic cell count (SCC) is a test that counts the cells in a milk sample. Most of these cells are white blood cells, which the body sends into the udder to fight infection, and a few are cells shed from the lining of the udder. Healthy milk always has some of these cells. When the udder is inflamed, usually because of mastitis, the count rises. That is why the SCC is commonly used to check udder health in dairy cows and buffaloes.
The test can be done on milk from a single quarter or on a composite sample, which mixes milk from all quarters of one animal. A quarter sample shows which part of the udder has the problem, while a composite sample gives one figure for the whole animal. The report gives the number of cells in each millilitre of milk, and the lab report shows the reference range used. Unlike the California Mastitis Test, which is judged by eye, the SCC gives a measured count.
Vets and dairy farmers use the SCC to find animals with hidden (subclinical) mastitis, to follow a problem animal over time and to keep watch on udder health in the herd. A count that rises from one test to the next can be an early warning. A registered veterinarian reads the result with the animal's stage of lactation and history, and may suggest a milk culture to find the bacteria involved. The result is for the owner's information and does not replace official milk-quality or food-safety testing.
How to prepare
Collect milk from clean, dry teats into a clean, labelled bottle, one bottle per quarter if your vet wants quarter results, keep it cool but not frozen, and tell the lab about any recent udder treatment. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book.
Reading the result
A registered veterinarian reads the count with the animal's stage of lactation, milk yield and history, using the reference range on the lab report. Counts are naturally higher soon after calving and near the end of lactation, and they can change from day to day. A high count shows inflammation but not its cause, so your vet may repeat the test or ask for a milk culture.
Questions about SCC
What does a high somatic cell count in milk mean?
What is the difference between the CMT and an SCC test?
Should I send milk from one quarter or from all four?
Can a somatic cell count be done on buffalo milk?
Before you book this test
Why this notice: so you know, before you book, how a test is done, what its limits are and who is responsible.
- Where it is tested. Some tests are done wholly or partly by an independent partner laboratory. The lab tells you before booking if this test is sent out, and the report names the laboratory that did it.
- What a result can and cannot tell you. No test is right every time. A normal result does not rule out every disease, and an abnormal result does not prove one. A registered veterinarian should read the report with the animal’s signs and history before any treatment is started, changed or stopped.
- The sample. A sample that is clotted, too small, wrongly labelled, leaking or too old may be rejected or reported with a note, and the lab may ask for a fresh one.
- Reporting time. Confirmed when you book. Times are estimates, not guarantees, and the lab confirms the time when you book.
- Emergencies. A booking or a pending report must not delay urgent care. If an animal has collapsed, struggles to breathe, has fits or bleeds heavily, call a veterinarian at once.
Please read our Terms of Service, Medical Disclaimer, Privacy Policy and Refund and Cancellation Policy. Pashupatinath Vet Lab is operated by Duaji Healthcare and Tech Private Limited. This page is general information and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice.
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