Test Code LAB211 SYNOVIAL FLUID CELL COUNT WITH DIFFERENTIAL
Additional Codes
Internal / Beaker: LAB211
External: SYNCTDIFF
PERFORMED AT
SBH LABORATORY
SRH LABORATORY
SMH LABORATORY
HDH LABORATORY
Specimen Requirements
Container Type: Plain plastic (Red or white top) tube without additive (1-3 ml) AND one K-2 EDTA tube
Specimen Type: Synovial fluid
Preferred Volume: 3 mL per tube
Emergency Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL in each tube
Collection Procedure: Withdraw fluid and immediately place a maximum of 3 mL into the EDTA tube. Invert tube several times. Place maximum of 3 mL of the remaining synovial fluid in the plain red or white top tube for gross exam, crystals, chemistries, and culture if ordered separately.
Specimen Processing: Transport ASAP. Store & transport refrigerated.
Required Patient Info: Specific site of collection
Unacceptable Condition: Samples received without anticoagulant, grossly clotted specimens or specimens that have been at room temperature for 24 hours or more. Syringe with needle attached (syringe acceptable only with Luer tip cap).
Limitations: Clots may form if left in a syringe. This will compromise testing.
Stability:
Temperature | Time |
---|---|
Room Temp | 12 hours |
Refrigerated | 24 hours |
Frozen (-20 øC) | Not acceptable |
Method
Automated or Manual Cell Count; Manual Differential
Synonyms
Synovial Fluid, Synovial Fluid Examination
Department
Hematology
Test Schedule
Daily
Test Includes
Color, Appearance, Clarity, Viscosity; Nucleated Cells per μl, RBCs per μl, Neutrophils %, Lymphocytes %, Monocytes/Macrophages %, Eosinophils %, Basophils %, Other Cells %
Turnaround Time
24 hours
CPT Codes / Price Quote Code / Billing Information
CPT Code: 89051
Remarks
Cell counts will be attempted on all fluids sent. However, specimen volume and quality may affect or prevent testing (i.e. specimens with small clots will be tested and results reported with a disclaimer that results may be affected, but specimens that are fully clotted cannot be counted).