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Test Code CSF Cnt Cell Count CSF

Useful For

Cerebrospinal fluid cell counts are performed using red cells and wbc enumerations. These results may aid in detection of infection, inflammation, bleeding or tumors.

Patient Preparation

Sterile collection with specimen transported in a sterile container

Special Collection Instructions

Sterile, not clotted, properly labeled to include specimen source

Collection Method

Sterile Collection

Distribution Order
Tube #1 Chemistry and Immunology tests
Tube #2 Cultures and other Microbiology tests
Tube #3 Cell counts and differentials
Tube #4 Cytology

Minimum Volume

2 ml

Container

Sterile CSF Collection Tube

Preferred Specimen

CSF

Reference or Target Ranges

Normal values  
Color Colorless to Yellow
Clarity Clear
Cutoff values    
  Adults Neonates
White Blood Cells <6 WBC/uL <30 WBC/uL
Lymphocytes 40 – 80% 5 – 30%
Monocytes 15 – 45% 50 – 90%
Neutrophils <6% <8%
Eosinophils Rare Rare
Red Blood Cells 0 0

Notes

  1. Variation from manual counting may exceed 50% and approach 15 – 20% using automated methods.
  2. Pleocytosis in Adults (increased WBC count) may be graded:
     
    Mild: 5 – 50 WBC/uL
    Moderate: 51-200 WBC/uL  
    Severe: >200 WBC/uL
  3. CSF may have >60% neutrophils in high-risk neonates without meningitis

Reportable Units

Varies

Critical Value

WBC >30

Reasons for Rejection

Hemolysis Threshold N/A
Icterus Threshold N/A
Lipemia Threshold N/A
Other Clotted; QNS, Contaminated; improperly labeled

Specimen Stability

Ambient Should be processed within 1 hour of collection. Due to the difficulty on obtaining these specimens, they will be counted whenever they arrive in the lab.
Refrigerated (4°C to 8°C) N/A
Frozen(-70°C to 0°C) N/A

Performance Information

Days and Time Performed 24/7
Expected Turn Around Time Stat: with one hour of arrival in lab
Routine: Within 4 hours of arrival in lab (Try to complete within 2 hours)
Stat Availabilty Yes
Performing Bench UH Heme Man
Methodology/Method Description Manual Count / Manual Differential – CSF counts are performed manually by skilled laboratory techs.

Special Handling

Room Temp

Additional Information/Important Notes

CSF differentials are added to CSF counts when 1 or more WBCs are present in the cell count

CPT Codes

89050

Reflex Testing

Manual differential counts, Pathology QA reviews