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Test Code
RCSF
Test Name
Cell Count Only, Cerebral Spinal Fluid
CPT Codes
89050
Included Tests
  • Red Blood Cell Count
  • Total Nucleated Cell Count
  • Color
  • Appearance
Expected Turnaround Time
1 day
Clinical Utility

A red blood cell count is performed on tube number 1 to assist in differentiating between a traumatic tap and subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen Type: Cerebral Spinal Fluid

Collection Container: Sterile, Non-Additive Tube

Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions

Label tubes consecutively indicating sequence of collection, test is performed on first tube collected (tube 1).
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.
Reference Intervals

Red Blood 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
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
  • CSF Red Cells
  • CSF White Cells
  • Spinal RBC Count
  • Spinal WBC Count
  • Spinal Total Nucleated 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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