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Test Code LAB210 Body Fluid - Differential Cell Count

Important Note

Fluids that have cells that cannot be fully evaluated by the hematology lab during cell count and differential will have cytology studies reflexed. 


Please continue to order cytology as clinically indicated. 

Additional Codes

DIFF F

Collection:

Specimen: Body Fluid, i.e., Peritoneal Fluid, Pericardial Fluid, Synovial Fluid, Cyst Fluid, etc. Type of specimen must be noted on the requisition

 

Container:

  • Lavender top tube preferred, but other tubes will be accepted.
  • Plain sterile container. Collection in plain red stoppered tube or clot activator tubes should be avoided due to clotting of specimen.
  • BAL Samples; collection is recommended in non-anticoagulant tube.
  • Do not use serum separator tube.

 

Volume: 3 mL; Minimum 2 mL

Stability:

Do not store. Send specimen to Lab immediately.

Turn Around Time (TAT):

STAT: 1 HOUR

Routine: 2 HOURS

Test Availability:

Daily / 24 Hours / Available STAT

Performing Laboratory Section:

Urinalysis / UMC MAIN LABORATORY

Reference Interval:

Pleural Fluid:
Color: colorless to yellow
Clarity: clear to hazy
Nucleated Cells: < 1000/cumm


Peritoneal Fluid
Color: colorless to light yellow
Clarity: clear to hazy
Nucleated cells: < 500/cumm
Polys: < 25%


Pericardial Fluid
Color: colorless to light yellow
Clarity: Clear to Hazy
Nucleated Cells: < 1000/cumm

Synovial Fluid
Color: colorless to yellow
Clarity: clear
Nucleated Cells: < 200/cumm
Polys: < 25%
Lymphs: < 78%
Macrophages: < 71%