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Test Code
WBC
Test Name
White Blood Cell Count
CPT Codes
85048
Expected Turnaround Time
1 day
Clinical Utility

Used in the enumeration of white blood cells.
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen Type: Whole Blood

Preferred Collection Container: Lavender Top (EDTA)

Alternate Collection Container: Microtainer Lavender Top EDTA 

Desired Specimen Volume: 1mL

Alternate Specimen Volume: 0.5mL in Microtainer
Collection Instructions

Invert tube 8 - 10 times immediately after tube is filled at the time of collection.
Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory at room temperature within 24 hours, if testing cannot be performed within 24 hours of collection transport to the laboratory refrigerated. 
Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

24 hours

Refrigerated

48 hours
Causes for Rejection
  • Clotted specimen
  • Specimen contaminated with IV fluid
  • Tube not filled with minimum volume
Methodology
Automated Analyzer
Reference Intervals

Hematology Reference Intervals
Critical Values

HNL Lab Medicine Critical Values
Performing Location
1503 North Cedar Crest Surgery Center, 17th Street Hospital, 2310 Highland Avenue Surgery Center, Carbon Hospital, Cedar Crest Hospital, Cedar Crest Red Lab, Dickson City Hospital, Hazleton Hospital, Hecktown Oaks Hospital, Muhlenberg Hospital, Pocono Hospital, Redeemer Health, Roble Road Core Laboratory, Schuylkill Hospital, Tilghman Street Surgery Center
Alternate Names
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Total WBC
  • White Count
  • WBC 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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