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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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EOSINOPHIL SMEAR, NON BLOOD

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2222    Geisinger Epic ID:  7695

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Nasal or body secretion smeared on two slides and allowed to air dry


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

Slides from nasal secretion; sputum specimen; or body secretion. Label slides with two identifiers (e.g., MRN and name).


Special notes: 

Nasal secretions: Two (2) slides.
For sputums, first morning sample preferred. Sputum in sterile container acceptable.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

If possible, smears should be prepared at any off-campus site.


Transport temperature: 

Room temperature.


Specimen stability: 

Slides should be made within 24 hours of specimen collection.


Rejection criteria: 

Frozen specimen or slides.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

None seen.


CPT code(s):  89190
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Degree of cellularity, qualitative description of neutrophils and eosinophils.


Methodology: 
Giemsa Stain
Microscopic Examination
Synonyms: 

Smear for Eosinophils, HANST, Nasal


Clinical significance: 

Eosinophilia in sputum/nasal secretions suggests the presence of an allergic process. The presence of eosinophils in the urine is suggestive of allergic conditions, asthmatic disorders, parasitic infections, and possibly interstitital cystitis.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Mary Dhesi MD
Review Date:  01/08/2025

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