Hematocrit, Body Fluid
Orderable EAP code:
Billable EAP Codes:
CPT Codes:
Lab Section:
Includes:
Measurement of the body fluid hematocrit using an automated cell counter.
Turnaround Time:
Routine: 90 Minutes
Urgent: 60 Minutes
Extreme emergency: 15 Minutes
Test Schedule:
24 hours, 7 days
Units:
Interpretation:
A pleural fluid hematocrit greater than 1% is usually associated with malignancy, pulmonary embolus or chest trauma. A result of greater than 50% of the peripheral blood hematocrit level is associated with a true hemothorax.
Critical Values:
None
Specimen Requirements:
Serous body fluid (pleural, peritoneal and pericardial) specimens received in an EDTA tube are preferred.
Other sources, containers or anticoagulants are suitable provided the sample is free from clots and/or debris.
Room temperature. Refrigerate if greater than 2 hours before testing.
1 mL or more preferred. Minimum volume 0.5 mL.
Pediatric Specimen Requirements:
0.5 mL
Reference Range:
Less than 1%
Synonyms:
HCT, BF
HCT, Body Fluid
Hematocrit, BF