CELL COUNT WITH DIFFERENTIAL, CSF

Message
Hematology


Test Code
LAB212


Alias/See Also
Cell Count + Diff-CSF
Cell Counts & Differentials – Cerebrospinal Fluid


CPT Codes
89051

Includes
Total Nucleated Cell Count (TNC) Total Red Blood Cell Count (RBC) If TNC > 5, Differential reflexed


Preferred Specimen
Collected by physician. Lumbar Puncture, Shunt, or Leakage

Send to Laboratory IMMEDIATELY.


Minimum Volume
0.5 - 1.0mL, each tube if sending multiple


Other Acceptable Specimens
If collect 3-4 CSF tubes:
Tube 1: Chemistry & Serology
Tube 2: Microbiology
Tube 3: Cell Count & Differential
Tube 4: If sent-Hold for possible additional orders
(Acceptable for Tube 1 & 4 Cell Count orders – not a duplicate!)

If only one CSF tube sent, route as follows or otherwise instructed by ordering MD:
First: Microbiology
Second: Hematology
Third: Cytology
Fourth: Chemistry


Instructions
LAB: Do NOT centrifuge. Must NOT be received in preserved tube.


Specimen Stability
Ambient 2 hours
Refrigerated up to 24 hours


Methodology
Manual Cell Count performed via Hemocytometer Automated Cell Count performed via flow cytometry with a semiconductor laser exploiting the differences in cell size, complexity, and RNA /DNA content. Forward scattered light provides information on blood cell size and lateral scattered light provides information on the cell interior such as the size of the nucleus. Fluorescent light is emitted in all directions.

Setup Schedule
Same day


Limitations
Clots, cell clumps or debris may cause interference in the results


Reference Range
Adult: Clear, colorless, RBC 0/mm3, WBC 0 - 5/mm3


Clinical Significance
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has a threefold purpose: It protects the brain and spinal cord from sudden changes in pressure; it maintains a stable chemical environment for these structures; and it removes the waste products of cerebral metabolism. Because it is readily accessible and reflects many biochemical and cell-shedding alterations in the central nervous system diseases, CSF analysis has long been a valuable tool in the lab diagnosis of many diseases and conditions.

Examination of the numerical and/or morphological findings in the body fluid are useful in the diagnosis of disease states, such as meningitis, hemorrhage, malignancy, inflammation, viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections.


Performing Laboratory
HHN or 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.