Test Code 32A Cell Count Spinal Fluid

Additional Codes

ALAB: CELLCTSF

PowerChart: Cell Count with Differential CSF

MA Cerner: CSF Cell Count w/ Diff.

Hemacytometer Counting Chamber and Microscopy

1 mL of spinal fluid is required.

Clotted specimens are not acceptable for spinal fluid cell counts.

Wright Stain or Gram Stain: Perform a "Cytospin" on the sample as soon as possible. Do not use anticoagulant and do not refrigerate the sample. In lieu of Cytospin a traditional direct smear Wright or Gram Stain is performed.
Cytology: A Wright Stained Cytospin slide is sent to the Cytology Department at Mercy.

Testing is performed Monday through Sunday.

Routine orders: Typically completed within 4 hours after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Expedite orders: Typically completed within 2 hours after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

STAT orders: Typically completed within 1.5 hours after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

WBC: 0-5 Mononuclear cells/mm³

RBC: 0 cells/mm³

A Methylene Blue Stain is performed if the total polynuclear (neutrophil) cells counted are greater than 5/mm³

89051 Other Pathology Services: Cell Count, miscellaneous body fluids, except blood; with differential count

These counts are used as clinical guides in the diagnosis and/or monitoring of diseases processes.

34563-7 Cell Count Panel-Cerebral Spinal Fluid (Manual)

Bloody CSF specimens may be run through the automated method; if so:

57845-0 Leukocytes [#Volume] In Body Fluid By Automated Count