BUFFY COAT SMEARS: (089-3172)

A buffy coat preparation facilitates the search for immature and abnormal white blood cells, particularly when the peripheral blood count is low, and in identification of bacteria or yeast in septic and immunocompromised or immunosuppressed patients.

 BUFFYCOAT

 Micro-hematocrit centrifugation of specimen.  Concentration of WBC's; Wright-Giemsa Stain.

 Samples are accepted 24 hours per day at Sample Management, Room 5.136 McCullough

 48 hours

Collect: Routine venipuncture, EDTA (Lavender-top tube)

Volume: 5 ml

Minimum Volume: 3 ml

Storage/Transport: Stable at Room Temperature for 24 hours. 

Stability: Stable Refrigerated for 36 hours.

Causes for Rejection: Clotted, QNS, old specimen, identification errors, labeling errors, inappropriate anticoagulants

Test performed as consult with Hematology Staff.

Interpretive Test (call Lab)

 85009

 A. Huerta, BS, MT(ASCP), MBA

When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient.  Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually.  The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-9 code or its verbal equivalent.

  Home  |  Health Care  |  Education  |  Research  |  Business  |  News  |  Contribute  |  Alumni  |  About  |  Contact

©Copyright 2011 UTMB Health, Pathology Clinical Services. Please Review Our Site Policies & Required Links.
301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas, 77555-0743  •  UTMB Maps & Directions

Member, Texas Medical Center®