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Order Code MDIFF -Lab Use Only Differential Count, Manual, Blood

Additional Codes

Test Name in EPIC

EPIC Test Code           

Mnemonic

RV MANUAL DIFFERENTIAL

MDIFF

Manual Diff

 

Useful For

The blood differential test can detect abnormal or immature cells. It can also diagnose an infection, inflammation, leukemia, or an immune system disorder.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Whole Blood

Collection Container/Tube: Lavender (EDTA)

Pediatric Collection Container/Tube: Lavender Microtainer (EDTA)

Specimen Volume: optimal 2 mL, minimum 1 mL

Pediatric (microtainer) volume: 0.5 mL

 

Whole blood specimen should be inverted gently several times to mix blood immediately after collection.  If sending to RMC/RSMC: Send EDTA tube refrigerated. Include 2 unstained peripheral blood smears (see below)

 

Peripheral Blood Smear Instructions:

  1. Use clean, high-quality glass slides
  2. Using EDTA blood, drop a blood droplet that is about 4mm in diameter
  3. Adjust spreading speed and angle (30-40 degrees) until 2 slides are adequate with smear approximately ¾ length of glass slide
  4. The smear should have a smooth feathered edge.
  5. Label thick end of smears with patient’s full name, date of birth, and date of collection.
  6. Important - slides must be completely dry prior to putting them into a slide container. Send slides refrigerated or ambient.
  7. If sending EDTA whole blood for RMC/RSMC to prepare blood smears, specimen must arrive within 2 hours of draw.

Specimen Stability

Specimen Type Temperature Stability         
Whole Blood Refrigerated 24 hours
Slides/Smears Ambient Indefinitely

Rejection Critieria

  1. Samples that do not meet minimum volume requirements
  2. Incorrect collection container
  3. Clotted or visibly hemolyzed

Reference Values

See link below for reference ranges:

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Performing Laboratory

Ridgeview Medical Center Laboratory

Two Twelve Medical Center Laboratory

Ridgeview Sibley Medical Center Laboratory

Methodology

Microscopy; includes Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, bands, blasts, metamyelocytes, myelocytes, promyelocytes, RBC morphology, and platelet morphology.

Test Classification and CPT Coding

85007