Cell Count and Differential, Body Fluid
Use
This test is useful for aiding in the diagnosis of joint disease, systemic disease, inflammation, malignancy, infection, and trauma. It is designed to analyze body fluids, other than urine and blood, such as synovial, pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial fluids. These fluids may contain increased numbers of cells in various disease states, helping in the identification and characterization of conditions leading to fluid accumulation and cytological abnormalities.
Special Instructions
Specimen must arrive within 24 hours of collection. Indicate specimen source when submitting for testing. Preferred specimen container is a body fluid container, although a lavender top (EDTA) or green top (heparin) tube is acceptable.
Limitations
This test may not detect all types of cells present in body fluids. Gross hemolysis of specimens is acceptable, but clotted, diluted specimens, and those from unapproved sources will be rejected. Improper specimen collection, handling, or storage may lead to diagnostic confusion or compromised results. As the test is not FDA cleared, it relies on performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic.
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Hematology)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 34557-9
- 14725-6
- 9335-1
- 55793-4
- 26455-6
- 48767-8
- 26513-2
- 11031-2
- 30437-8
- 26452-3
- 28543-7
- 59466-3
- 18771-6
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Body Fluid
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Body fluid container; acceptable: Lavender top (EDTA) or green top (heparin)
Storage Instructions
Ambient (preferred) or refrigerated within 24 hours
Causes for Rejection
Clotted or diluted specimens, specimens from unapproved sources
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 24 hours |