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Test Code
FLCT
Test Name
Cell Count, Body Fluid
CPT Codes
89050 (note: if diff performed CPT 89051 is charged)
Included Tests
  • Red Blood Cell Count
  • Total Nucleated Cell Count
  • Total Nucleated Cell Differential
  • Color
  • Appearance

Reflexed when appropriate:

  • Cytology when unclassified cells are present.
  • Gram stain when suspected bacteria or fungi are present.
  • Blood parasite when suspected organisms are present.
Expected Turnaround Time
1 day
Clinical Utility

Used to evaluate body fluid for the presence of red blood cells and nucleated cells.

Specimen and Container Info

Specimen

Containers

Volume

Synovial Fluid

Preferred Collection Container: Lavender Top (EDTA)

Alternate Collection Container: Red Top, Plain or Dark Green Top (Lithium Heparin)

1.0 mL

Serous Fluid

Preferred Collection Container: Lavender Top (EDTA)

Alternate Collection Container: Red Top, Plain or Dark Green Top (Lithium Heparin)

1.0 mL

Amniotic

Preferred Collection Container: Sterile, Non-Additive container

Alternate Collection Container: Lavender Top (EDTA)

1.0 mL
Processing and Submission Instructions

Requisitions must state site of specimen collection.
Transport Instructions

Transport to laboratory at room temperature.

Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

24 hours
Causes for Rejection
  • Quantity not sufficient for analysis
  • Samples outside stability
  • Samples that are clotted
Methodology
Automated or manual cell count and manual differential if warranted.
Reference Intervals

Fluid Type

Reference Interval

Synovial

Red Blood Cells: 0 - 2000 RBC/cmm

Total Nucleated Cells: 13 - 180 TNC/cmm

Total Nucleated Differential:

Neutrophils: 0 - 25%

Lymphocytes: 0 - 78%

Monocytes: 0 - 71%

Histiocytes: 0 - 26%

Absolute Neutrophils: Not established.

Serous

Not established.

Amniotic

Not established.

Bronchial Lavage

Not established.
Performing Location
17th Street Hospital, Carbon Hospital, Cedar Crest Hospital, Dickson City Hospital, Hazleton Hospital, Hecktown Oaks Hospital, Muhlenberg Hospital, Pocono Hospital, Roble Road Core Laboratory, Schuylkill Hospital
Alternate Names
  • Fluid Count
  • Synovial Cell Count
  • Pleural Cell Count
  • Ascites Cell Count
  • Amniotic Cell Count
  • Pericardial Cell Count
  • Thoracentesis Cell Count
Testing Schedule
Routine daily, STAT testing available
The American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published by HNL Lab Medicine are guidelines and are intended for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the exclusive responsibility of the billing entity. View the Terms.
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