Cell Count and Differential, Synovial Fluid

Test Code

SYNCT

Quest Code

4562

CPT Codes
89051

Includes

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

Preferred Specimen

3 mL synovial fluid in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube or sodium heparin (green-top) tube

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Red-top (non-clot activator) tube or plastic vial

Transport Container

EDTA (lavender-top) tube or sodium heparin (green-top) tube

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable

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

Clotted

Methodology
Automated analyzer and/or Manual Microscopic examination

Setup Schedule

Day shift or night shift Tues-sat

Report Available

2 days

Limitations

Traumatic tap will affect results.

Reference Range

Color	Straw/Yellow
Appearance	Clear/Hazy
Total Nucleated Cell Count	<150 cells/uL
Neutrophils, %	0-24 %
Lymphocytes, %	0-74 %
Monocyte/Macrophage, %	0-69 %
Eosinophils, %	0-2 %
Basophils, %	0 %
Synoviocytes	0-15 %

Clinical Significance

Immunologic, mechanical, chemical or bacteriologic damage may alter the permeability of the membrane and capillaries to produce varying degrees of inflammatory response. Various disorders produce changes in the chemical constituents of the joint fluid and in the type of cell population present.

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics LLC

200 Forest Street, 3rd Floor, Suite B

Marlborough, MA 01752-3023

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.