Cell Count and Differential, Pericardial Fluid
Use
An excess accumulation of fluid within the pericardium may occur in the presence of infections, cardiovascular disease, renal failure and uremia, neoplastic disease, trauma, coagulation disorders and anticoagulant therapy and collagen vascular disease. The test quantifies the total nucleated cell count and provides the percentage of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes/macrophages, eosinophils, basophils, and mesothelial cells for diagnostic evaluation.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
Traumatic tap will affect results.
Methodology
Automated Analyzer
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
3 mL pericardial fluid
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
EDTA (lavender-top) tube or sodium heparin (green-top) tube; other acceptable specimens: red‑top (non‑clot activator) tube or plastic vial
Causes for Rejection
Clotted
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 48 hours |
| Refrigerated | 48 hours |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant