Minimum 0.5 mL body fluid in EDTA (purple top) tube, +/- air dried smears. Note: Samples received in EDTA are not acceptable for bacterial culture.
Quantitative measurement and cytologic evaluation of cells from fluid samples. Includes gross examination, total protein concentration, cell counts and PCV for grossly hemorrhagic samples; preparation of direct, concentrated and cytocentrifuge slides (where indicated). Provide the origin of the fluid (pleural, abdominal, pericardial, synovial) and a brief clinical description and history. Note: Other fluid samples such as BAL/TTW, FNA from dermal mass, abscess or bile are ordered as Cytology-Aspirate/Smear. Test available as STAT for additional fee. After 5:00 pm, test is available as “Call In” for an additional fee.