Body Fluid Cell Count

Test Code

BFCT

Alias/See Also

Epic: LAB209

Includes

WBC
RBC
Polymorphonuclear cells
Lymphocytes
Monocyte/Macrophage cells
Mesothelial cells
Eosinophils
Atypical cells
Intracellular bacteria
Hemosiderin

Preferred Specimen

Specimen Type: Body fluid
Source: Pleural fluid (pleural, chest, thoracentesis), Pericardial fluid (peritoneal, abdominal, ascites, paracentesis), Amniotic fluid, Synovial fluid
Collection Container: Lavender top (EDTA)
Specimen Volume: 3 mL

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Unpreserved specimens may be accepted but will report with a comment/disclaimer.

Instructions

Transfer fluid to a lavender top EDTA tube immediately after collection.
Testing should be performed as soon as possible after collection.

Transport Container

Send specimen in original tube.

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: Undefined
Refrigerated: 24 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

Same day

Reference Range

TYPE of FLUID	Nucleated Cell NORMALS
Pleural Fluids	< 500 cells/ul
Synovial Fluids	< 200 cells/ul
Pericardial Fluids	< 500 cells/ul
Peritoneal Fluids	< 500cells/ul

Performing Laboratory

Inova Laboratories

2832 Juniper Street

Fairfax, VA 22031

Last Updated: February 26, 2024
Last Review: N. Wolford, March 27, 2023

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.