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HelpTest ID BFCC Cell Count and Differential, Body Fluid
Ordering Guidance
Shipping Instructions
Specimen must arrive within 24 hours of collection.
Necessary Information
Indicate specimen source
Specimen Required
For Local Accounts Only
Sources: Synovial, pleural, peritoneal, pericardial fluid
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Body fluid container
Acceptable: Lavender top (EDTA) or green top (heparin)
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Useful For
Aiding in the diagnosis of joint disease, systemic disease, inflammation, malignancy, infection, and trauma
Reflex Tests
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCMS | Leukemia/Lymphoma, Phenotype | Yes | No |
| CYTNG | Cytology Non-GYN | Yes | No |
Testing Algorithm
When abnormal cytologic features are present, a miscellaneous cytology test may be added and performed at an additional charge. Fee codes for that test vary depending on review process.
Method Name
Automated or Manual Cell Count/Cytocentrifugation followed by Manual Differential and Morphology Review
Reporting Name
Cell Count and Differential, BFSpecimen Type
Body FluidSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body Fluid | Ambient (preferred) | 24 hours | |
| Refrigerated | 24 hours |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | OK |
| Clotted Nasal fluid, sputum, amniotic fluid | Reject |
Clinical Information
Body fluids, other than the commonly analyzed urine and blood, include synovial, pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial fluids. These fluids may be present in increased volumes and may contain increased numbers of normal and abnormal cells in a variety of disease states.
Reference Values
TOTAL NUCLEATED CELLS
Synovial fluid: <150/mcL
Peritoneal/pleural/pericardial fluid: <500/mcL
NEUTROPHILS
Synovial Fluid: <25%
Peritoneal/pleural/pericardial fluid: <25%
LYMPHOCYTES
Synovial fluid: <75%
MONOCYTES/MACROPHAGES
Synovial fluid: <70%
Interpretation
Trauma and hemorrhage may result in increased red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC); RBC predominate. WBC 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
-Eosinophils may be increased in parasitic or fungal infections
Cautions
No significant cautionary statements
Clinical Reference
1. Kjeldsberg CR, Hussong, JW: Body Fluid Analysis. ASCP Press; 2015
2. Dyken PR, Shirley S, Trefz J, El Gammel T: Comparison of cyto-centrifugation and sedimentation techniques for CSF cyto-morphology. Acta Cytol. 1980 Mar-Apr;24(2):167-170
3. Sheth KV: Cerebrospinal and body fluid cell morphology through a hematologist's microscope, workshop presented at the ASCP-CAP Joint Spring Meeting, San Diego, March 1981
4. Schumacher AH, Reginato A: Atlas of Synovial Fluid Analysis and Crystal Identification. Lea and Febiger; 1991
Method Description
The cells are applied to a glass slide by cytocentrifugation. Wright-Giemsa stained slides are examined by light microscopy and a differential is performed. Total nucleated cell count is determined using an automated hematology analyzer or a microscopic counting chamber.(Instruction manual: Automated Hematology Analyzer XN series [XN-1000]. Code No. CJ410539. North American Edition. Sysmex; 11/2015)
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
1 to 2 daysTest Classification
This test has been modified from the manufacturer's instructions. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
89051-Cell count with differential