Home
HelpTest Code LAB3921 Cell Count with Reflex Differential, Body Fluid
Performing Laboratory
St. Louis Children's Hospital Laboratory - Hematology
Specimen Requirements
Patient Preparation: None
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Sterile container or syringe
Acceptable: Lavender-top (EDTA) or Sodium Heparin tube for synovial fluids to avoid clotting
Submission Container/Tube: If specimen is coming from outside facility send sample STAT in original container.
Specimen Collection Volume: minimum 1.0 mL
Special Instructions: For synovial fluids collected in vacutainers with anticoagulant, immediately invert tube gently 8-10 times to mix fluid and anticoagulant (this will avoid specimen clotting). Forward specimen to lab promptly at ambient temperature. Specimen source is required on order for processing.
Sample Rejection
Mislabeled or unlabeled specimens
Samples that are >24 hours old
Clotted specimens
Logistics
Test Availability: Monday-Sunday
Cut-off time: None, performed as received
Turnaround Time: Same Day; 1 hour from receipt in performing lab
Reference Values
Reference Interval: No established reference intervals
Critical Value: None established
Methodology
Cells enumberated by automated method or Hemocytomer
Differential, if performed, is done on smear prepared by cytocentrifugation method
Limitations
- NA
Additional Information
FOR SLCH CORE LABORATORY USE ONLY
Lab Processing Instructions: DO NOT SPIN. Give specimen directly to Heme/Coag bench
Processed Volume: minimum 1.0 mL fluid
Analyte Stability:
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| CSF (unprocessed) | Ambient | 1 hour |
| Refrigerated | 24 hours | |
| Frozen | unacceptable |
Test Classification and CPT Code
89051 - cell count
LOINC
Fluid type: 14725-6
Color Fld: 6824-7
Clarity Fld: 9335-1
Total Cells Fld: 38256-4
Nucl Cells Fld: 26466-3
Last Reviewed
07/2025