Cell Count and Differential (Body Fluid)
CPT Code(s):
89051
Turnaround Time:
8 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Body Fluid
Minimum Volume:
2.0 mL
Transport Container:
Lavender Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Body fluid collected and transfered to lavender top (EDTA) tube. Do not send syringe with needle.
Rejection Criteria:
Improper labeling; specimen received in grossly leaking transport container; specimen received in expired transport media; specimen received after prolonged delay (usually more than 48 hours)
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
48 hours
Refrigerated:
48 hours
Frozen:
Unacceptable
Clinical Significance
The Cell Count and Differential, Body Fluid holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of clinical pathology, particularly in the analysis of body fluid samples such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, or synovial fluid.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of the Cell Count and Differential, Body Fluid include:
1. Detection and Monitoring of Infections: The Cell Count and Differential, Body Fluid is used to detect and monitor infections in body fluids. By analyzing the types and quantities of different cell types present in the fluid sample, healthcare providers can identify abnormal cell populations associated with bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Increased white blood cell count and presence of specific cell types can indicate an active infection, guiding appropriate treatment strategies.
2. Diagnosis of Inflammatory Conditions: The test aids in the diagnosis of inflammatory conditions affecting body fluids. Inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, or autoimmune diseases, can cause changes in the cellular composition of body fluids. Elevated white blood cell count or the presence of specific cell types, such as neutrophils or lymphocytes, may suggest an underlying inflammatory process and help guide further diagnostic investigations.
3. Evaluation of Malignancies: The Cell Count and Differential, Body Fluid can provide valuable information in the evaluation of malignancies involving body fluids. Abnormal cell populations, such as malignant cells or atypical cells, may indicate the presence of cancerous cells within the fluid sample. This information can aid in the diagnosis and staging of malignancies or guide decisions regarding further diagnostic procedures, such as cytology or flow cytometry analysis.
4. Assessment of Traumatic or Hemorrhagic Effusions: The test assists in the assessment of traumatic or hemorrhagic effusions. Increased red blood cell count in body fluids, such as pleural or peritoneal fluid, may suggest trauma or bleeding within the respective cavities. Evaluating the cellular composition of the fluid can help differentiate between different causes and guide appropriate management.
5. Monitoring Response to Treatment: The Cell Count and Differential, Body Fluid is used to monitor the response to treatment in certain conditions. Serial measurements of cell counts and differentials can track changes over time, helping healthcare providers assess the effectiveness of therapies and make informed decisions regarding treatment adjustments or modifications.
In summary, the Cell Count and Differential, Body Fluid has specific clinical significance in the detection and monitoring of infections, diagnosis of inflammatory conditions, evaluation of malignancies, assessment of traumatic or hemorrhagic effusions, and monitoring response to treatment. By analyzing the cellular composition of body fluid samples, this test provides valuable information for clinical decision-making, enabling healthcare providers to diagnose and manage various conditions affecting body fluids and guide appropriate treatment strategies.