Cell Count/Diff, Synovial

Test Code

CELL COUNT/DIFF,SYNOVIAL

Alias/See Also

Hematology

Preferred Specimen

Synovial fluid in lavender EDTA top tube

Minimum Volume

3 mL

Instructions

Fluids for cell counts must be drawn/collected or transferred into a lavender top edta tube and mixed thoroughly. Deliver to lab immediately upon collection.

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”.

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

TAT 1 day

Reference Range

	Synovial
Color	Clear
Turbidity	Yellow
Nucleated cell (cell/uL)	0-200
RBC (cell/uL)	0-2000
Neutrophils %	0-25%
Lymphocytes %	0-78%
Macrophages %	0-71%
Eosinophils (%)	0%
Basophils (%)	0%
Synovial Lining Cells (%)	May be present

Note: Differential reference ranges were established for Synovial fluids 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 the 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.