Cell Count and Differential

Label Mnemonic:	CSF-Cell Ct
Epic code:	LAB1022
Downtime form:	Doctor/Provider Orders - Pathology Core and Specialty Care Nursery

Hematology
6240 RCP
356-3527

Specimen(s):

CSF

Collection Medium:

CSF collection kit

Minimum:

1.0 mL; CSF

Delivery Instructions:

Note: Due to rapid cell degradation, specimens should be received in the laboratory within two hours of draw.

Testing Schedule:

24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Turn Around Time:

3 hours (upon receipt in laboratory)

Reference Range:

WBC Normals

  0 - 28 days:        0-22 cells/μL

  29 days - 2 months: 0-16 cells/μL

  > 2 months old:     0-5 cells/μL

Comments:

Includes cell counts, total nucleated cells and RBC and nucleated cell differential if three or more cells are found. The differential is based on the morphologic examination of a wright-stained cytospin preparation. The cells are reported as number per μL; erythrocytes, total nucleated cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and a composite group of monocytes-histocytes- macrophages. These slides are retained for approximately two months.

Reference:
Bonadio W. Pediatric lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. J. Emerg. Med. 46(1): 141-150.

Methodology:

Hemocytometer/Automated Count and Wright Stain

CPT Code:

89051