WBC In Feces

Test Code

WBCF

CPT Codes
89055

Includes

WBC, % Polymorphonuclear, % Mononuclear, RBC

Preferred Specimen

Fresh Fecal specimen

Minimum Volume

Small Amount

Instructions

Fresh fecal specimens provide the best results, but wet stools stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours are acceptable. Stools allowed to dry and aliquots taken from the center of the formed stools are unacceptable.

Transport Container

Sterile Specimen Container

Transport Temperature

Room Temp or 2-8 Degrees, Celsius

Specimen Stability

24 Hours if specimen is not allowed to dry

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Stools that have been allowed to dry are unacceptable

Methodology
Manual

Setup Schedule

Daily on Receipt

Report Available

Upon Completion of Analysis

Limitations

Cotton swabs used for collection or mixing (WBCs will adhere to fibers of swab).

Reference Range

Occasional WBC during examination of entire specimen

Clinical Significance

Large amounts of fecal pus may be found with chronic ulcerative colitis, chronic bacillary dysentery, localized abscesses or fistulas communicating with the sigmoid colon, rectum, or anus. Microscopic examination of the stool for leukocytes may aid in early diagnosis of bacterial causes of diarrhea and aid in distinguishing bacteria from amebic or viral dysentery and thus identify patients for whom antibiotic therapy is not indicated.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.