Geisinger Medical Laboratories Test Catalog

Order Display Name: Geisinger Epic Procedure Code Or ID CPT Code:  

CELL COUNT WITH DIFFERENTIAL, BODY FLUID

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code: LAB1971             Geisinger Epic ID: 7683
       

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type:
Pericardial fluid, peritoneal (ascitic) fluid, pleural, amniotic fluid, and other serous fluids (non-synovial)
Preferred collection container:
Alternate Collection Container:
Sterile screw-cap tube
6 mL red-top (plain, non-serum separator) tube
4 mL green/green-top (sodium heparin) tube
Specimen required:
2-3 mL (preferred), 1 mL (minimum)
Special notes:
Indicate specimen source on label and requisition. Clotted and partially clotted specimens will receive a comment, "Fluid clotted cell count questionable". Fluids received in sodium heparin tubes will receive a comment, "Specimen received in heparin anticoagulant which may cause lower WBC counts."

SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Specimen processing instructions:
Do not centrifuge or freeze. 
Transport temperature:
Refrigerated.
Specimen stability:
24 hours.
Rejection criteria:
BAL specimens, gastric specimens, and semen analysis specimens. Specimen sent with needle. Frozen specimens. Clotted specimens.

TEST DETAILS
Reference interval:
Varies based on specimen type.
Interpretation guide:
Red cells are increased in trauma and hemorrhage.
White blood cells are increased in inflammatory and infectious processes:
- neutrophils predominate in bacterial infections
- lymphocytes predominate in viral infection
- macrophages may be increased in inflammatory and infectious processes
- eosinophils may be increased in parasitic or fungal infections.
CPT code(s):
89051
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.  The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.
Test includes:
Color, Clarity, Total nucleated cell count (TNC) (Note: This includes WBC count and other nucleated cells including epithelial cells, histiocytes, macrophages, mesothelial cells etc.) , RBC, TNC differential = % of each cell type in 100 total nucleated cells.
Methodology:
Hemocytometer
Electronic Particle Cell Counter
Microscopic Examination
Electronic resistance detection enhanced by hydrodynamic focusing and flow cytometry
Synonyms:
BFCD, BFC, cell count FLD
Clinical significance:
Quantitative determination of cells including WBCs, RBCs, and lining cells in various body fluids (excluding bronchoalveolar lavage specimens), which aids in the diagnoses of systemic disease, inflammation, malignancy, infection, and trauma.
Doctoral Director(s:)
Mary Dhesi MD    
Review Date: 04/04/2023

Performing Locations

Geisinger Medical Center

Performing laboratory: Hematology
Technical Lead: Margaret Knowles-Tuchman
Frequency: Daily, all shifts
Performed STAT? Yes

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center

Performing laboratory: ATL+
Technical Lead: Jessica Kopeck    
Frequency: Daily, all shifts    
Performed STAT? Yes

Geisinger Community Medical Center

Performing laboratory: Hematology
Technical Lead: Robert Furcon  
Frequency: Daily    
Performed STAT? Yes

Geisinger Lewistown Hospital

Performing laboratory: Hematology
Technical Lead: Melissa Cramer  
Frequency: All shifts    
Performed STAT? Yes
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