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Test Code LAB3924 Cell Count, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Performing Laboratory

Barnes-Jewish Hospital Laboratory

Methodology

Includes cell count.  Differential is added to orders with nucleated cell counts above 10 cells/mL. Cells enumerated by hemacytometer or automated method. Differential performed on smear prepared by cytocentrifugation method.

Literature Reference:

Kjeldsberg C, Knight J. Body fluids, 3rd ed. Chicago: ASCP 1993.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen must arrive within 1 hour of collection.

 

Specimen Type: CSF

Container/Tube: See Body Fluid Collection Guidelines under Special Instructions.

Specimen Volume: 2 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume: 1 mL

Additional Information: CSF fluid is typically collected into numbered plastic tubes with screw caps provided with the sterile lumbar puncture tray. The preferred sample for cell count and differential is CSF collected in the final tube (#4) to minimize contamination from peripheral blood due to trauma.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday
Turnaround Time:
STAT: cell count: 90 minutes after receipt in laboratory
Routine: results available the day of testing

Test Classification and CPT Coding

89050 - Cell count

89051 - Cell count and differential

Reference Values

CELL COUNT

Nucleated cells: 0-10 cells/mcL

DIFFERENTIAL ( Performed on samples with >10 nucleated cells/mcL)

Lymphocytes: 40-80%

Monocytes: 15-45%

Segmented neutrophils: 0-6%

Note: The presence of a few neutrophils may be due to contamination with blood from trauma during the tap. Clinical correlation is required.

Literature Reference:

Kjeldsberg C, Knight J. Body fluids, 3rd ed. Chicago: ASCP 1993.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient

Additional Information

For BJH Laboratory Use Only
Analyte Stability:

4 hours

Note: Specimens received >4 hours will be commented “Results may be suspect due to age of specimen.”

Laboratory Processing Instructions:

Test performed in BJH Core Lab.

Special Instructions

LOINC Code Information

Name LOINC Code
Tube Number 19157-7
Clarity 49736-2
Color 10335-8

Total Cells Differentiated

 19075-1
Nucleated Cells 805-2
RBC 791-4
Segmented Neutrophils 13516-0
Lymphocytes 10328-3
Monocytes 10329-1
Macrophages 12229-1