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Test Code
CSCH
Test Name
Cell Count, Cerebral Spinal Fluid - LVHN Only
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:

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

Assist in the diagnosis of meningitis, infection, malignancy, lymphoma, trauma, and other conditions.
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen Type: Cerebral Spinal Fluid

Collection Container: Sterile, Non-Additive Tube

Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions

Collect in numbered tubes consecutively indicating sequence of collection.
Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory at room temperature.
Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

2 hours
Causes for Rejection
  • Quantity not sufficient for analysis
Methodology
Automated or manual cell count and manual differential if warranted.
Reference Intervals

Red Cells

Age

RBC/cmm

0 - 1 days

0 - 800

2 days - <3 months

0 - 50

≥3 months

0 - 5

Total Nucleated Cells

Age

TNC/cmm

0 – <2 months

0 - 27

≥2 months – <16 yrs

0 - 7

≥16 years

0 - 5

Total Nucleated Differential

Age

Lymphocyte (%)

Monocyte (%)

Neutrophils (%)

0 – <3 month

2 - 38

50 - 94

0 - 8

≥3 month

63 - 99

3 - 37

0 - 2
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
  • Cerebral Spinal Fluid Cell Count
  • Spinal Fluid Cell Count
  • Cell Count, CSF
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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