Alert

Cell Counts - Non CSF - other (Body Fluid Cell Count)

Container Type

Test ID LAB209
EPIC Order BODY FLUID CELL COUNT
CPT Code(s) 89051
Group/Individual Test Group
Laboratory Core Laboratory
Tube Station 30 Routine: 888 STAT
Specimen Routine: 1.5 mL fluid; See Comments
Availability Routine: 24 hrs/day
STAT: YES
Turnaround Time Routine: 2 hrs
STAT: 1 hr
Reference Range Normal:
Appearance: pale yellow (BAL=colorless, clear)
Cell counts:
Pleural fluid: Nucleated <1000/µL
Peritoneal fluid: Nucleated <300/µL
Peritoneal lavage: Nucleated <100/µL
Pericardial fluid: Nucleated <1000/µL
Synovial fluid: Nucleated <200/µL
Differential:
Pleural fluid: <50% lymphocytes
Peritoneal fluid: <25% neutrophils
Bronchoalveolar lavage: Global "normal" values are not available due to the effects of specimen processing, lavage technique, and cigarette smoking. Macrophages constitute the largest percentage of cells normally obtained.
Synovial fluid: <25% neutrophils
no crystals seen
Critical:

Blasts, Abnormal Cells, Microorganisms*, Monosodium Urate Crystals, Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate Crystals

*not critical in non-sterile specimen (BAL)
Comments
  • Use Heparin Anticoagulant to Prevent Clotting
  • Specify Fluid Type
  • Deliver immediately in screw top tube - SYRINGE OR BAG NOT ACCEPTABLE

Reviewed by J. Carr on November 25, 2025

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