Cell Count/Diff, Fluid

Message

Drainage & abscess samples are not acceptable for cell count & diff, micro culture is recommended.

Note: Cell counts are not performed on BAL, only differentials. Refer to Differential, BAL test

Test Code

CELL COUNT/DIFF,FLUID

Alias/See Also

Hematology

Includes

Cell count
Cell differential

Preferred Specimen

Non-clotted fluid in EDTA tube
These fluids are accepted :
Peritoneal
Pleural
Pericardial

Minimum Volume

2 mL

Instructions

Transfer fluid into a lavender (purple) top tube, mix thoroughly and deliver to the Lab as soon as possible.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate

Specimen Stability

All fluids should be tested as soon as possible after collection. Fluids (other than CSF) should be tested within 24 hours of collection. 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

	Pleural	Pericardial	Peritoneal
Color	Clear	Clear	Clear
Turbidity	Yellow	Yellow	Yellow
Nucleated cell (cell/uL)	0-1000	0-1000	0-300
RBC (cell/uL)	0-10,000	0-10,000	0-10,000
Neutrophils %	0-1%	10-77%	2-34%
Lymphocytes %	18-36%	0%	0-50%
Macrophages %	64-80%	20-87%	9-61%
Eosinophils (%)	0%	0%	0-14%
Basophils (%)	0%	0%	0-5%
Mesothelial Cells (%)	0-2%	0%	0%

Note: Differential reference ranges were established for Pleural and Peritoneal fluids using CLSI H56-A Body Fluid Analysis for Cellular Composition; Approved Guideline. June 2006. The pericardial reference ranges were obtained from ScienceDirect article The Usefulness of Diagnostic Tests on Pericardial Fluid. May 1997. 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: February 29, 2024

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.