Fecal Leukocyte Stain [3930X]

Test Code
562


CPT Codes
89055

Preferred Specimen
10 grams or 10 mL stool, submitted in Zn-PVA Transport medium, or Total-Fix® Transport vial


Patient Preparation
Patients should refrain from ingesting barium for 7 days before specimen collection.

Minimum Volume
5 grams or 5 mL


Instructions
1.) The specimen must be passed into a clean dry container and must not be contaminated with urine or water. If a toilet is used, the water supply may be cut off and the bowl drained.
2.) Add stool to bring the liquid level the "Fill to here" line on the Para-Pak Zn-PVA vial. Mix contents thoroughly until homogeneous.


Transport Container
PVA vial or Total-Fix® Transport vial


Transport Temperature
Room temperature


Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 6 months
Refrigerated: Not recommended
Frozen: Unacceptable


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Stool in Cary-Blair Transport Medium • Specimens that are frozen or containing barium • Received in preservatives other than Zn-PVA or TOtal-Fix® • Unpreserved stool


Methodology
Microscopy

Setup Schedule
Set up: Daily a.m., p.m., nights; Report available: Next day


Limitations
In 10-15% of patients with invasic bacterial infection, their fecal stool will not reveal leukocytes. Fecal leukocytes may be present in idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease.


Reference Range
See Laboratory Report


Clinical Significance
The presence of leukocytes is an indicator of inflammation. Generally, inflammation is a product of bacteria-host interaction.




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.