Test Code CSFCC CELL COUNT W DIFF, CSF
Methodology
Light Microscopy
Includes color, clarity, xanthochromia, WBC count, RBC count, and differential if indicated.
Useful for diagnosing abnormalities or possible infections of the CSF.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen must arrive within 2 hours of collection.
Container/Tube: Sterile tube(s)-Anticoagulant tube is not acceptable.
Specimen Volume: 1 mL of CSF
Collection Instructions:
- Aseptically collect at least 1 mL to 2 mL of CSF from lumbar puncture. Contamination with normal flora from skin or other body surfaces must be avoided.
- Divide CSF into 1 to 4 screw-capped, sterile tubes.
- Tubes must be numbered in order of draw 1, 2, 3, 4 with tube #1 representing first portion of specimen collected.
- Promptly hand deliver to laboratory. (Do not send in pneumatic tube system).
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Reference Values
COLOR
Colorless
CLARITY
Clear
XANTHOCHROMIA
Absent
WBC
0-1 months: 0-30 cells/µL
1 month -1 year: 0-10 cells/µL
Adults: 0-5 cells/µL
CRITICAL VALUES (automatic call-back):
0-1 month: >30 cells/µL
1 month to 1 year: >10 cells/µL
Adults: >5 cells/µL
NEUTROPHILS
Neonate (birth to 1 month): 0%-8%
1 month to 1 year: 0%-6%
Adult: 0%-6%
LYMPHOCYTES
Neonate (birth to 1 month): 5%-35%
1 month to 1 year: 40-80%
Adult: 40%-80%
MONOCYTES AND MACROPHAGES
Neonate (birth to 1 month: 50%-90%
1 month to 1 year: 15%-45%
Adult: 15%-45%
Performing Laboratory
Logan Health Medical Center Laboratory
Test Classification and CPT Coding
89057-CSF count, with differential (if appropriate)
Specimen Transport Temperature
Ambient/Refrigerate NO/Frozen NO