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HelpTest Code 00011 Cytology, Spinal Fluid
Performing Laboratory
St. Lukes Hospital Laboratory
Methodology
Includes testing for leukemia or malignant cells.
Cytologic evaluation of spinal fluid is useful in the diagnosis of
certain primary and/or metastatic cerebral tumors as well as the
follow-up of patients with confirmed lymphoma or leukemia. It may
also be helpful in the determination of the nature of certain
cerebral infections such as cryptococcal meningitis.
Specimen Requirements
1. Submit a minimum of 1 mL of spinal fluid in a screw-capped, sterile vial as follows:
A. Physician should collect spinal fluid aseptically by lumbar
puncture.
B. Divide specimen into 3 or 4 screw-capped, sterile vials (each
containing 1-2 mL of spinal fluid).
C. Label vials sequentially. Tube #2 or #3 is generally used
for cytology testing.
2. Label vials with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
3. Refrigerate specimen after collection, and send specimen refrigerated. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.
Note: 1. Normal spinal fluid contains few cells so the volume of spinal fluid submitted has considerable bearing on diagnostic accuracy. Larger specimen helps to ensure better results.
2. Complete a “Request for Specimen Analysis” in “Request Forms” in “Special Instructions” including patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and actual time of collection, source of specimen, pertinent clinical history, previous history of malignancy, masses etc., and billing information. Forward it with the specimen.
Reference Values
Diagnostic interpretation is based on morphologic cellular changes and the presence of significant inflammatory, bacterial, or fungal components. The diagnosis is reported to the clinician using descriptions, comments, and recommendations when appropriate.
Note: Interpretation of cells found in spinal fluid is difficult due to the small volume of specimen normally received, the paucity and distortion of cells, and commonly extensive cellular degeneration resulting from the lapse between time of cellular exfoliation and collection of the specimen. The presence of contaminants from any source may be disastrous to interpretation and should be avoided both during specimen collection and specimen processing.
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Friday
Test Classification and CPT Coding
88108