Cell Count/Diff, CSF

Message

If CJD is suspected - please contact the Laboratory

Test Code

CELL COUNT/DIFF,CSF

Alias/See Also

Hematology

Preferred Specimen

CSF – Tubes 1 and 4 are preferred for hematology whenever possible

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate

Specimen Stability

CSF should be tested within 1 hour of collection when stored at ambient temperature. Refrigeration at 4° may help to retard cell destruction. However, because these samples are generally “hardship” samples, they will all be processed regardless of time delay with a disclaimer: “Time delay may affect results”.

Methodology
Flow Cytometry & Flow Through Electrical Impedance/Resistance; Manual hemocytometer and light microscopy

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

TAT 1 day

Reference Range

	CSF
Color	Colorless
Turbidity	Clear
Nucleated cell (cell/uL)	0-5
RBC (cell/uL)	0-10
Neutrophils %	0-2%
Lymphocytes %	63-99%
Monocytes %	3-37%
Eosinophils (%)	0%
Basophils (%)	0%

Note: Differential reference ranges was established for CSF using CLSI H56-A Body Fluid Analysis for Cellular Composition; Approved Guideline. June 2006. Clinical correlation is recommended for fluid differential results.

Performing Laboratory
Test performed in West Roxbury Hematology Lab
Contact West Roxbury:Nolan Raymond 857-203-5980

Last Updated: May 19, 2025

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.