Lab Dept:

Other Fluids

Test Name:

BODY FLUID COUNT & DIFFERENTIAL

General Information

Lab Order Codes:

BFC

Synonyms:

Body Fluid Count

CPT Codes:

89050 - Cell count, miscellaneous body fluids
89051 - Cell count with differential

Test Includes:

RBC, WBC and Differential if WBC >10 cells/mL³

Logistics

Test Indications:

Evaluation of body fluids for the presence of WBC and RBC which may indicate infection, hemorrhage or malignant neoplasm

Lab Testing Sections:

Hematology

Phone Numbers:

Minneapolis:

Saint Paul:

612-813-6280

651-220-6550

Test Availability:

Daily, 24 hours

Turnaround Time:

4 hours

Special Instructions:

Specimen must arrive within 1 hour of collection. Indicate source of specimen on request form. Do Not send to laboratory through the pneumatic tube system.

Specimen

Specimen Type:

Fluid (Specify type)

Container:

Specimens collected with or without anticoagulant.
If collected with anticoagulant, use heparin or EDTA.

Draw Volume:

1 mL fluid

Processed Volume:

Minimum: 0.5 mL fluid

Collection:

Dependant on fluid type

Special Processing:

N/A

Patient Preparation:

None

Sample Rejection:

Clotted sample, slide will be processed to check for most common WBC cell type

Interpretive

Reference Range:

Appearance:

Color:

Pale yellow to colorless

Clarity:

Clear

Cell Counts:

Fluid Type:

WBC

RBC

Differential

Dialysate

<10 μL

0 μL

<25% PMNs

Paracentesis

<1,000 μL

100,000 μL

<25% PMNs

Pleural

<1,000 μL

100,000 μL

<25% PMNs

Thoracentesis

<1,000 μL

100,000 μL

<25% PMNs

Critical Values:

N/A

Limitations:

N/A

Methodology:

Light microscopy

References:

Kjelsberg C et al (1993) Body Fluids, American Society of Clinical Pathologists Press