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Cell Count, Body Fluid
MessageAcceptable body fluids include: synovial, pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and drainage. Please specify body site for drainage fluids.
Test Code
BFC
CPT Codes
89051
Includes
- Volume
- Color
- Character
- RBC count (pleural fluid only)
- WBC count
- If the WBC count is >=5/mm3, a differential is performed.
- If the WBC count is <5/mm3, a scan is performed for abnormal cells.
Preferred Specimen
1-3 mL Fluid
Instructions
Specimens should be delivered to the York Hospital Laboratory within 30 minutes if possible.
Transport Container
- Body Fluid
__ Green Top Lithium Heparin Tube
__ Sterile Container, Leak-Proof (acceptable unless the specimen is clotted)
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: Not Recommended
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: Not Recommended
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Frozen samples
Samples with large clots
Samples with large clots
Methodology
Microscopic Examination
Setup Schedule
Daily
Report Available
Same Day
Clinical Significance
Cell counts are performed on body fluids to aid in the diagnosis of joint disease, systemic disease, inflammation, malignancy, infection, and trauma. Trauma and hemorrhage may result in increased red and white cells; red cells predominate. White blood cells are increased in inflammatory and infectious processes: neutrophils predominate in bacterial infections, lymphocytes predominate in viral infections, macrophages may be increased in inflammatory and infectious processes, and eosinophils may be increased in parasitic or fungal infections.
