Body Fluid Cell Count
CPT Code(s):
89051
Turnaround Time:
1 day
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Body Fluid
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Sterile Cup or Lavender Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Follow normal aseptic collection proceudres
Rejection Criteria:
Room temperature storage; clotted specimen; improperly labeled specimen; quantity insufficient.
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
48 hours
Refrigerated:
48 hours
Frozen:
Unacceptable
Clinical Significance
Body Fluid Cell Count holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of clinical pathology and diagnostic medicine. This test is performed to examine the cellular components present in various body fluids, such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), synovial fluid, pleural fluid, or peritoneal fluid.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Body Fluid Cell Count include:
1. Detection of Infection or Inflammation: Body Fluid Cell Count helps identify the presence of infection or inflammation in body fluids. Elevated cell counts, particularly white blood cells (leukocytes), can indicate an ongoing immune response to infection or inflammation. Differentiating between various types of white blood cells and analyzing their distribution can further assist in determining the underlying cause.
2. Evaluation of Hemorrhage or Trauma: Body Fluid Cell Count aids in evaluating hemorrhage or trauma in body fluids. Increased red blood cell counts can suggest bleeding or injury, while additional examination of the red blood cells can provide insights into their morphology and integrity. Identifying the presence of red blood cells, along with other clinical and laboratory findings, can help determine the cause and severity of the hemorrhage or trauma.
3. Diagnosis of Malignancies: Body Fluid Cell Count plays a role in diagnosing malignancies, particularly in the evaluation of malignant effusions (e.g., pleural or peritoneal effusions). Abnormal cell counts or the presence of atypical or malignant cells can indicate the presence of cancer cells within the body fluid. Further examination, such as cytological analysis or additional molecular tests, may be necessary for a definitive diagnosis.
4. Monitoring Treatment Response: Body Fluid Cell Count is used to monitor the response to treatment in certain conditions. Serial cell count measurements can track changes in cell populations over time, helping healthcare providers assess the effectiveness of therapies and make informed decisions regarding treatment adjustments or modifications.
5. Guiding Diagnostic Investigations: Body Fluid Cell Count guides further diagnostic investigations. Abnormal cell counts can direct the need for additional tests, such as cell differentiation, culture, sensitivity testing, or molecular analyses, to identify specific pathogens, determine the nature of inflammation, or confirm the presence of malignancies.
In summary, Body Fluid Cell Count has specific clinical significance and diagnostic uses in the evaluation of infection or inflammation, assessment of hemorrhage or trauma, diagnosis of malignancies, monitoring treatment response, and guiding further diagnostic investigations. By examining cellular components in body fluids, this test aids healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing various conditions, providing valuable insights for patient care and treatment decision-making.