Cell Count, Spinal Fluid

Test Code

Spinal Fluid Orderset/CTDSF - NOCO

CPT Codes
89050, 89051 if indicated

Includes

Includes a differential count if >5 WBCs are detected.

Preferred Specimen

1 mL CSF in sterile container

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Instructions

Indicate specimen source.
Optimal testing within 1-2 hours of collection

Specimen Stability

Specimen Type	Temperature	Time
Body Fluid	Refrigerated	24 hours

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Grossly bloody or clotted

Methodology

Setup Schedule

Monday through Sunday; Continuously

Report Available

Same day

Reference Range

Refer to the CSF and Body Fluid Reference Range and Critical Results documents in the Resources file on the facility test directory page.

Performing Laboratory
Banner Fort Collins Medical Center Laboratory
North Colorado Medical Center Laboratory

Last Updated: August 13, 2026

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.