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Test Code DIFFAUTO Differential, White Blood Cell (WBC), Automated, Blood

Additional Codes

  • Expanse Test Name: Auto Diff
  • Medinet Ref Code: DIFFAUTO
  • OV Code:HEME*DIFFAUTO

Performing Laboratory

St. Lukes Hospital Laboratory

Methodology

Automated Flow-Through Cytometry

Includes % and absolute values for neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.

Specimen Requirements

Draw blood in a lavender-top (EDTA) tube(s), and send 1 mL of EDTA whole blood. If there is a delay in transport of >8 hours, make 4 to 5 blood smears within 2 hours of draw. Forward promptly at ambient temperature.
Note:  1. If specimen will not arrive at St. Luke’s Hospital Laboratory the same day as drawn, refrigerate specimen. Transport at ambient temperature. Do not place EDTA whole blood directly on top of an ice pack.

2. Label slides with patient’s full name (first and last) and date and time of collection.

Reference Values

Reference ranges are age- and sex-specific. See report.

Hematology differentials that fit the following criteria will be referred to a hematopathologist:

—Markedly abnormal RBC morphology (many target cells, spherocytes, schistocytes, etc.)

—Greater than 3 nucleated RBCs (excluding newborns)

—If the WBC is <1,000/cmm or >30,000/cmm

—If immature WBCs are present (promyelocytes or blasts)

—If the number of lymphocytes is >7,500/cmm

—If the number of platelets is <20,000/cmm or >750,000/cmm

—Presence of organisms

Interfering Substances:

Lipemia, hemolysis, abnormal RBC morphology, and cold agglutinins may interfere with testing.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

85004