Cell Count And Differential, Body Fluids

Orderable EAP code:

LAB00243

Billable EAP Codes:

80001833 x 1

CPT Codes:

89051 x 1

Lab Section:

Core Lab

Turnaround Time:

Routine: 4 Hours
Urgent: 2 Hours

Test Schedule:

24 hours, 7 days a week.

Critical Values:

Intracellular Bacteria; Malignant Cells; Atypical Cells if no previous.

Specimen Requirements:

Body Fluids (i.e., ascites, pleural, peritoneal):
2 mL body fluid in a LAVENDER top tube or 2 mL body fluid in a sterile container with EDTA added.

Pediatric Specimen Requirements:

1 mL body fluid in a LAVENDER top tube or sterile tube

Reference Range:

WBC 0 to 1000/cu mm

Comments:

Cell counts will be attempted on all fluids sent. However, specimen volume and quality may affect or prevent testing (i.e. specimens with small clots will be tested and results reported with a disclaimer that results may be affected, but specimens that are fully clotted cannot be counted). 

CSF and body fluid specimens should be examined within 1 hour of collection; if it can't be examined within 1 hour, refrigerate. Stable for 8 hours at 2 to 8 C (although there can be cell deterioration).