Eosinophil Count, Nasal

Test Code
8581


CPT Codes
89190

Preferred Specimen
"Nasal secretions
"


Minimum Volume
"One to two unfixed smears
"


Instructions
"Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Specimens may be taken separately from each side of the nose for nasal secretions. Note: If two different slides are collected, two separate test requests are needed for proper reporting. Secretion is most easily and readily collected by having the patient blow the nose on a waxed paper or cellophane handkerchief. This gives a specimen that represents only nasal secretion or a collection of both nasal and sinus secretions. Small crusts from the septum and vestibule of the nose should be avoided. If no secretion is available from blowing the nose, it may be necessary to remove it by swabbing it with a cotton applicator or postnasal secretions may be obtained through a suction cannula. Secretion may also be collected in a specimen bottle at the time of acute exacerbation. The specimen should then be smeared on a clean microscope slide.
"


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
"No specimen on slide or smear; improper labeling; sputum specimen received
"


Methodology
"Hansel stain with microscopic examination of smear of nasal secretions "



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.