Test Code CFCT/CFD Cell Count and Differential, Spinal Fluid

Methodology

Hemacytometer (Cell Counts)/Wright-Stained Differential

Munson Healthcare Laboratories

Specimen must arrive within 30 minutes of collection.

Container/Tube: Sterile vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL of spinal fluid

Transport Temperature: Ambient

Collection Instructions: Specimen tubes are numbered in the sequence they are collected.

Note: Cell count is performed on the last tube collected.

RBC

A few red blood cells can be seen due to injury of blood vessels during lumbar puncture.

WBC

Neonates: 0-30 mononuclear cells/µL

Adults: 0-5 mononuclear cells/µL

Critical value (automatic call-back):

Pediatric patients <30 daysl old: ≥ 15 /mm3

Pediatric patients ≥ 30 days up to 21 years old: ≥ 5 /mm3

Patients ≥ 21 years old: ≥ 5 /mm3

DIFFERENTIAL (performed only when the WBC count is 5 or more cells/µL):

Neonates:

Lymphocytes: 20 (±15)%

Monocytes: 70 (±20)%

PMNs: 0-4%

Adults:

Lymphocytes: 60 (±20)%

Monocytes: 30 (±15)%

PMNs: 0-4%

Monday through Sunday

89050