Specimen Requirements
Title
Cell Count, Serous Fluid
Specimen Requirement
Collect 1-2 mL serous fluid into a lavender EDTA and send refrigerated same day due to short stability.
Methodology
Microscopic and macroscopic examination
Stability
Room temp: Unacceptable, Refrigerated: 48 hours, Frozen: Unacceptable
Reference Range
The reference range is determined by the performing laboratory and will show on the report.
Turnaround
1-2 days
Clinical Use
Evaluate serous fluid for the presence of RBCs (semiquantitative), WBCs, differential, and for physical appearance.
See test code SFCT if testing synovial fluid.
Test Code
BFCT