EOSINOPHIL SMEAR, RESPIRATORY

Message

Hematology

Test Code

LAB5210519

Alias/See Also

Sputum – Eosinophil
Nasal Smear - Eosinophil

CPT Codes
89190

Preferred Specimen

Sputum: collect and submit specimen to the Laboratory

Nasal: Collect one swab from each nostril and smear each swab on a slide (2 slides).

Instructions

Collect one swab from each nostril and smear each swab on a slide (2 slides) or submit sputum specimen to laboratory.

Specimen Stability

Ambient

Methodology
Wright-Giemsa stain for the presence of Eosinophils. Eosinophils show bright orange granules in the cytoplasm.

Report Available

Same day

Limitations

Neutrophils may be present as partially disintegrated cells in almost every specimen, and their presence most frequently indicates a pyogenic infection. Lymphocytes and monocytes are common in sputum. Small numbers of erythrocytes are normally present, but large numbers indicate hemorrhage or severe infections.

Reference Range

None seen

Clinical Significance

Eosinophils are found in large numbers in nasal and sputum specimens of patients with bronchial asthma, but their presence is not pathognomonic of asthma. Eosinophils are numerous in nasal secretions from patients with allergic rhinitis.

Performing Laboratory
HHN / HHI Lab

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.