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HelpTest Code CC BF Cell Count Body Fluid
Additional Codes
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Cerner |
NextGen |
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Cell Count Body Fluid |
Cell Count Body Fluid |
Useful For
Exams on serous body fluids are performed to help in the diagnosis of inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions. Most body fluids exist in small quantities in healthy individuals and serve as lubricant to prevent friction between the organ and the sac that contains it. When disease processes occur, fluid accumulation can occur in quantities sufficient to aspirate for analysis.
Definitions
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Fluid |
Collection method |
Definition/Source |
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Pleural Fluid |
Thoracentesis |
Located in the space between the lungs and pleural sac. |
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Peritoneal Fluid (Ascites fluid) |
Paracentesis |
Located in the abdominal cavity, surrounding most organs of the abdomen. |
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Pericardial Fluid |
Pericardiocentesis |
Located in the space between the heart and the pericardial sac. |
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Transudate Effusion |
Listed above |
An abnormal accumulation of fluid in a cavity generally caused by a systemic process that disrupts the balance between absorption and formation of the fluid, causing an abnormal fluid accumulation. Transudates typically have low protein, specific gravity, and nucleated cell count values. |
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Exudate Effusion |
Listed above |
An abnormal accumulation of fluid in a cavity caused by inflammatory disorders that interfere with fluid reabsorption. Exudates typically have high protein, specific gravity, and nucleated cell counts. |
Methodology
Two methods are available for cell counts: An automated CBC instrument (XN) utilizing flow cytometry, and a manual Hemacytometer. The automated method is preferred, reserving the manual method for low counts that fall below the automated linearity limits. Manual differentials are performed on slides prepared by cytocentrifuge and stained with Modified Wrights Giemsa stain.
Patient Preparation
None
Collection Instructions
- Specimen source must be indicated on label and requisition(s).
- The tube submitted for cell counts must not be a previously centrifuged specimen.
- Do not use mechanical rockers to mix specimens.
Specimen Requirements
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Preferred Volume |
2 mL or more |
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Minimum Volume |
Due to the nature of BF specimens, no volume is rejected, but if specimen volume is inadequate, not all testing may be completed. The provider and/or pathologist will be contacted to discuss test priority if specimen volume is inadequate.
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Container |
Pleural, Peritoneal and Pericardial: K2EDTA lavender |
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Stability |
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Rejection Criteria |
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Result Reporting and Reference Values
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Reference Range |
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Critical Ranges |
None |
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Reflex Testing
Pathology Fluid Cell Review will be reflexed if “Other” cells were identified in the differential.
Limitations
- WBC interferences: NRBCs, giant platelets, precipitated elevated proteins, fragmented cells, unlysed particles > 35 fL in size, crystals and other elements.
- RBC interferences: Include highly elevated WBC, high concentration of very large platelets, auto agglutination, etc.
- Crystals in fluids may be counted in error by automated instruments.