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HelpTest Code CSF DIFF CSF Cell Count with Differential
Performing Laboratory
YRMC Laboratory
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday - Sunday
Specimen Requirements
Sterile Container- Collect specimen in appropriate CSF collection containers.
Minimum CSF Volume: 1mL
Specimen:
1. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF): Should be collected in separately numbered vials.
2. CSF Test Package will include the following:
- a. Cell count (first tube)
- b. Cell count and differential (last tube)
- c. Protein (second tube)
- d. Glucose (second tube)
- e. Calculation of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) Ratio
3. The standard tube/test designations will be as follows:
- a. Tube 1 – Cell Count
- b. Tube 2 – Chemistry and Core Lab Send Outs
- c. Tube 3 – Microbiology and Micro/Infectious Disease/PCR Send-outs (this tube
- may be used for second cell count and differential if only 3 tubes are collected)
- d. Tube 4 – Cell Count and Differential – this tube may be used for send-out testing
- as required.
CPT Code
89051
Specimen Transport and Stability Information
Specimen must not be sent through the pneumatic tube system, must be hand carried to the laboratory.
Any specimen that cannot be analyzed within 30 minutes of collection should be
refrigerated. The specimen must be brought to room temperature before analysis – all
cell counts should be completed within 1 hour of receiving the sample due to cell
stability.
All CSF specimens will be saved in the laboratory for 1 month prior to being discarded
Collection Instructions
CSF specimens should be treated as a potential biohazard. Use universal precautions for
all specimens.
For low specimen volume, the physician is to be called by the MLT/MT to ascertain
priorities of the tests ordered. All tests will be attempted to be performed based on the
priority per the physician. Any test that is unable to be completed based on the amount of
specimen will be resulted as quantity not sufficient (QNS) and the RN/Physician will be
notified.
Units of Measure
uL , %