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Cell Count reflex Differential, Body Fluid  

Important Note

Specimens should be immediately transported to the lab and handeled as a Stat.  Specimens received >4 hours will be commented " Results may be suspect due to age of specimen.:

Additional Codes

LAB3921

Performing Laboratory

MBMC Main Laboratory

Methodology

Cells enumerated by automated analyzer or hemocytometer. Differential performed on smear prepared by cytocentrifugation method.

Testing Algorithm

If white cells are >10 cells/mm in the cell count, a Body Fluid Differential will be performed at an additional charge.

Note: If a Body Fluid Differential is required and unidentified cells are seen, the specimen will be referred to Histology for review.  

Note for BAL's - no cell count, only a differential will be performed

Specimen Requirements

Specimen should arrive within 60 minutes of collection.

 

Specimen Type:  Bronchial, Dialysate, Pericardial, Peritoneal, Pleural, Synovial
Container/Tube: Sterile container or lavender-top (EDTA) tube
Specimen Minimum Volume: 1 mL

Additional Information:

1. Fluid type and date and time of collection are required. 

2. Cell counts may be inaccurate if clots are present.

3. 

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday
Turnaround Time:
STAT: 1 hour after receipt in laboratory
Routine: within 4 hours

Reference Values

No established reference values

Test Classification and CPT Coding

89050-Cell count

89051-Differential (if appropriate)

Stability

The results of body fluid specimens received in the lab greater than 4 hours old after collection should be interpreted with caution.