Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Auto Differential
CPT Code(s):
85025
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Whole Blood
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Lavender Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Whole blood collected in lavender EDTA tube; inverted several times to mix blood with anticoagulant.
Rejection Criteria:
Hemolysis; clotted specimen; specimen drawn in any anticoagulant other than EDTA; specimen diluted or contaminated with IV fluid; tube not filled with minimum volume; improper labeling; transfer tubes with whole blood; specimen received with plasma removed (plasma is used for other testing)
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
24 hours
Refrigerated:
48 hours
Frozen:
Unacceptable
Clinical Significance
The Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Automated Differential holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of hematology and general health assessment. This test provides valuable information about the cellular components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, along with a breakdown of different types of white blood cells.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of CBC with Automated Differential include:
1. Detection and Monitoring of Blood Disorders: CBC with Automated Differential aids in detecting and monitoring various blood disorders. Abnormalities in red blood cells, such as anemia or polycythemia, can be identified through measurements of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell indices. Changes in white blood cell counts and their differential percentages help diagnose and monitor infections, inflammation, leukemia, or other disorders affecting the immune system.
2. Evaluation of Overall Health Status: CBC with Automated Differential provides a snapshot of a patient's overall health status. It provides information about red blood cell counts and indices, which can indicate conditions like anemia or dehydration. The white blood cell count and differential can reflect immune system activity and potential underlying infections or inflammatory processes. Platelet counts are important in assessing bleeding or clotting disorders.
3. Monitoring Response to Treatment: CBC with Automated Differential is used to monitor the response to treatment in certain conditions. Serial measurements of blood 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.
4. Preoperative Assessment: CBC with Automated Differential is often performed as part of preoperative evaluations. It helps identify preexisting blood disorders, such as anemia or abnormal white blood cell counts, which may impact surgical outcomes or guide the need for further investigations or precautions.
5. Screening and Health Maintenance: CBC with Automated Differential is valuable in routine health screening and preventive care. It can detect early signs of underlying health issues, such as infections, anemia, or certain blood cancers, before symptoms become apparent. Regular monitoring of blood cell counts and differentials can help track changes over time and ensure early intervention, if necessary.
In summary, CBC with Automated Differential has specific clinical significance in the detection and monitoring of blood disorders, evaluation of overall health status, monitoring treatment response, preoperative assessment, and screening for early signs of underlying health issues. By analyzing various blood cell components, this test provides valuable information for clinical decision-making, enabling healthcare providers to diagnose and manage various conditions, and promoting overall health maintenance and disease prevention.