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Epic Test Code LAB212 Routine Cell Count with reflex WBC differential: Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Performing Location(s)

BMC

Specimen Type

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Preferred Container

Reference Cerebrospinal Fluid Panels for Recommend Collection Tube

NOTE: If CSF is grossly bloody, may be collected in EDTA tube to prevent clotting.

Minimum Volume to Submit for Testing

1.0 mL CSF

  • Multiple test can be performed from this volume. For question please contact the lab at 547-3975.  

Storage Requirements

Room Temperature up to 4 hrs

Transportation Needs

Deliver to the laboratory IMMEDIATELY for analysis. A delay in transportation may result in unreliable test results. Maintain at room temperature

Causes for Rejection

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen

Clotted sample (bloody specimen) – cytospin differential only will be performed

Insufficient sample for analysis

Improper container

>4 hours at room temperature

Reference Values

Appearance/Cell Count Reference Ranges
Parameter Units Reference Range
Appearance None Clear
Color None Colorless
Xanthochromia None Not Present
RBC Count #Cells/uL 0 - 20
WBC Count #Cells/uL
CSF WBC Count Reference Range
Group Reference Range Critical Value
Infant < 12 months: 0 - 22 cells/uL > 23 cells/uL
Child 1-17 year: 0 - 7 cells/uL > 8 cells/uL
Adults >18 year: 0 - 5 cells/uL > 10 cells/uL

WBC Differential Reference Ranges
Differential Parameter units 0-1 Year >1 Year

  % Neutrophils

 % per 100 WBC's 0.0-0.8% 0.0- 6.0%

  % Lymphocytes

 % per 100 WBC's 5.0-35.0% 40.0-80.0%

  % Monocytes

 % per 100 WBC's 50.0-90.0% 15.0-45.0%
  % Histiocytes % per 100 WBC's 0.0-9.0% Rare

 %Neuroectodermal 

            cells

 % per 100 WBC's   Rare

 

Includes

Manual enumeration of WBC’s and RBC’s and differential cell count (percentage of each cell identified) from a cytocentrifuged, stained slide preparation when WBC ≥ 6 cells/uL

Synonyms

CSF; cerebrospinal fluid cell count; cell count

Days of Analysis

All

Available STAT

Yes

Methodology

Manual cell count using Hemocytometer

Slide prepared using cytocentrifugation and Wright-Giemsa stain

Microscopic examination of stained smear

CPT Code

89051

Last Updated

26-July-23 BHD