CSF Cell Count

SIM

20670 

CPT

89051 

Synonyms

Cerebrospinal fluid Cell Count; CSF Profile 

Specimen Type

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 

Container

Sterile container

Collection Instructions

Collected by the physician

Volume

1 ml CSF 
Min: 0.5 ml CSF

Additional Information

CSF cell counts are performed on the last numbered (collected) tube

Patient Preparation

none

Specimen Processing Instructions

Refrigerated

Transport Requirements

Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

Cell Counts should be performed within 30 minutes of collection.  (Cells lyse on prolonged standing.) 

Rejection Criteria

Mucoid or Clotted CSF

Reference Range

Negative

Critical Value

none 

Test Includes

Cell Count and differential 

Methodology

If enough volume, Cell Count performed by automated microscopy and if quantity is not sufficient, manual hemacytometer method performed. 

Testing Frequency

Daily, Monday - Sunday 

Reviewed By

Crystal Killian

Reviewed Date

3/17/2021

Supplemental