Alert

Cell Counts, CSF (CSF Analysis)

Container Type = CSF

Container Type

Test ID LAB212
EPIC Order CSF ANALYSIS (CELL COUNT WITH DIFFERENTIAL)
CPT Code(s) 89051
Group/Individual Test Group
Laboratory Core Laboratory
Tube Station 30 Routine: 888 STAT
Specimen Routine: 1 mL CSF: See Comments
Availability Routine: 24 Hours/Day
STAT: YES
Turnaround Time Routine: 2 hrs
  STAT: 1 hr
Reference Range Normal: See Table Below
Critical: Blasts, Abnormal Cells, Microorganisms
Comments
  • Deliver Within 30 Minutes in screw top tube
  • Urine containers are not acceptable for transport

Reference Ranges: CSF Cell Counts

Age

WBC (TNC)

RBC
Reference Rage (manual) Glocyte Reference Range Reference Range (manual) Glocyte Reference Range 
Neonates (<1 yr) 0-30 cells/µL <3-30 cells/µL None <2 cells/µL
1-4 years 0-10 cells/µL <3-10 cells/µL None <2 cells/µL
5-18 years 0-5 cells/µL <3-5 cells/µL None <2 cells/µL
Adults (>18 years) 0-5 cells/µL <3-5 cells/µL None <2 cells/µL

Reviewed by J. Carr on November 25, 2025

UNC Hospitals
McLendon Clinical Laboratories
101 Manning Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514