Test Code LAB10024 Eosinophil Count - Sputum
Department
HEMATOLOGY
Collection Requirements
Contact the laboratory for collection instructions.
Collect sputum in a sterile cup (coughed from bronchi and/or lungs). Moisten a dry swab with sputum and roll the moistened swab,very gently, over 2-4 clean slides. Air dry immediately (by hand waving of slides or using a small fan).
Primary Collection Container
Sterile Cup
Alternate Collection Container
Swab
Slide
Transport
Ambient: Slides in a slide holder.
Refrigerated: Sterile cup if sending without preparing slides.
Preferred Transport Temperature
Ambient: Slide
Refrigerated: Sputum
Processing
Send to lab ASAP.
Stability
Ambient: 2 hours
Refrigerated: 8 hours
Minimum Testing Volume
1.0 mL
Reference Range
There is no listed reference range for eosinophilia in nasal specimens, but it is thought that eosinophils present in a percentage of 20%, or greater, is a sign of an allergic reaction.
Methodology
Microscopic
Performed
Sunday – Saturday
Reported
As completed
CPT Codes
89190
Unacceptable Conditions
Inadequate collection.
Not using a fresh specimen.