Cell Count and Differential, CSF

Test Code

398

CPT Codes
89051

Includes

Appearance, Color, RBC Count, Total Nucleated Cell, Neutrophils %, Lymphocytes %, Monocyte/Macrophage %, and Eosinophils %

Preferred Specimen

1 mL CSF

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Transport Container

Plastic sterile collection tube #3 in collection of CSF sample

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature and refrigerated: STAT testing recommended due to cellular degeneration upon standing. Viability of specimen will be determined when it is received in the laboratory.
Frozen: Unacceptable

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

Clotted

Methodology
Microscopy Visual Examination

Setup Schedule

Day shift Mon-Fri

Report Available

In-house TAT: STAT

Limitations

Traumatic spinal tap will affect results. Early stage of meningitis may not affect cell count or differential.

Reference Range

See Laboratory Report

Clinical Significance

CSF examination is helpful in the detection and diagnosis of central nervous system disease such as acute bacterial meningitis, encephalomyelitis, polyneuritis, brain tumor, cerebral thrombosis and hemorrhage

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics - West Region

Last Updated: November 6, 2024

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.