Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog
CELL COUNT WITH DIFFERENTIAL, SYNOVIAL FLUID
Geisinger Epic Procedure Code: LAB3314 Geisinger Epic ID: 69116Synovial fluid, Bursa fluid. Indicate specimen source on label and requisition.
2-3 mL (preferred), 1 mL (minimum)
Non-gel or non-anticoagulated tubes are acceptable; however, clotting is more likely.
Indicate specimen source on label and requisition. Clotted and partially clotted specimens will receive a comment, "Fluid clotted cell count questionable". Fluids received in sodium heparin tubes will receive a comment, "Specimen received in heparin anticoagulant which may cause lower WBC counts." Clinical correlation is essential and if there is a concern for specimen viability, recommend resubmitting a fresh sample in EDTA for analysis.
Do not centrifuge or freeze.
Refrigerated.
Refrigerated: 24 hours.
Specimen sent with needle. Frozen specimens.
Red cells are increased in trauma and hemorrhage.
White blood cells are increased in inflammatory and infectious processes:
- neutrophils predominate in bacterial infections
- lymphocytes predominate in viral infection
- macrophages may be increased in inflammatory and infectious processes
- eosinophils may be increased in parasitic or fungal infections.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.
Color, Clarity, Total cells count (TCC) (Note: This includes WBC count and other nucleated cells including epithelial cells, histiocytes, macrophages, mesothelial cells etc.) , RBC, TNC differential = % of each cell type in 100 total nucleated cells
Hemocytometer
Microscopic Examination
BFC, cell count, fluid cell count
Quantitative determination of cells including WBCs, RBCs, and synovial lining cells in various synovial fluid, which aids in the diagnoses of joint disease, systemic disease, inflammation, malignancy, infection, and trauma.