Fluid For Cell Count / Celltype

Function

Fluid analysis for cell count and differential (cell type) involves the microscopic examination of fluid collected from body cavities (like the space around the lungs, heart, or abdomen). It quantifies the number of White Blood Cells (WBCs) and Red Blood Cells (RBCs) and identifies the percentage of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and other cells.

Why it is Ordered

This test is vital for determining the cause of abnormal fluid accumulation (effusion). It is ordered for:

• Pleural Effusion: Fluid around the lungs causing shortness of breath.
• Ascites: Fluid in the abdomen, often seen in liver cirrhosis or heart failure.
• Septic Arthritis: To check for infection in joint fluid (Synovial).
• Meningitis: Analysis of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) to distinguish between bacterial and viral causes.

Associated Conditions

• Infection (Exudate): High WBC count with a high percentage of neutrophils suggests bacterial infection (e.g., Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis).
• Malignancy: Presence of atypical or cancerous cells in the fluid.
• Congestive Heart Failure (Transudate): Typically results in low cell counts.
• Tuberculosis: Often characterized by a high count of lymphocytes in the fluid.

By categorizing the fluid as either a 'transudate' (systemic pressure issues) or an 'exudate' (local inflammatory/infectious issues), doctors can narrow down the diagnosis significantly.