The University of Iowa (UIHC)
Department of Pathology
LABORATORY SERVICES HANDBOOK


Body Fluid Cell Count and Differential
Order Code: BFX
Order Form: A-1a General Lab or IPR Req
  Hematology
6240 RCP
356-3527
Specimen
Miscellaneous Body Fluids
Collection Medium:
Miscellaneous container; contact laboratory
Minimum:
1.0 mL
Specimen
Instructions:
Synovial fluid specimens must be sent in an EDTA tube (lavender top) 
since they often clot.
Testing Schedule:
24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Analytic Time:
3 hours (upon receipt in laboratory)
Comments:
Includes cell counts and total 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 ul; erythrocytes, total nucleated cells, 
neutrophils, lymphocytes, and a composite group of 
monocytes-histocytes-macrophages mesothelials.  These slides are 
retained for approximately 2 months.
Methodology:
Count and Wright Stain
CPT Code:
89051

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Updated: 08/25/2008

Note: The information contained in this handbook is for use by personnel of University of Iowa Health Care. No other use is implied or intended.