Eosinophils in Nasal, Sputum, or Conjunctival Smears
Eosinophils and PMNs Smear
Test Codes
Antrim #27071, EPIC: LAB5145
Department
Hematology
Specimen Collection Criteria
Collect: Culturette swab or smear applied on a glass slide taken from the nasal or eye area, or sputum.
- Using a sterile cotton tipped applicator stick, swab the affected area.
- Roll the applicator stick across a one-inch diameter area of a microscopic glass slide. Allow to air dry.
- Label slide with two patient identifiers.
Also acceptable: Expectorated or induced sputum in a sterile collection container.
Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation
Do not refrigerate the specimen. Maintain at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F) prior to transport.
Preparation for Courier Transport
Transport: Swab, glass slide, or sputum in a sterile collection cup, at room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F).
Rejection Criteria
Dry culturettes and dry swabs.
In-Lab Processing
Swab and sputum specimens should be transported promptly to the Hematology Laboratory to prevent leukocyte lysis.
Storage
Specimen Stability for Testing:
Culturette Swabs and Sputum
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 8 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): Unacceptable
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable
Smear
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): Indefinitely
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): Unacceptable
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable
Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:
Culturette Swabs and Sputum: Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Smears: Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 30 days
Laboratory
Dearborn Hematology Laboratory
Farmington Hills Hematology Laboratory
Grosse Pointe Hematology Laboratory
Royal Oak Hematology Laboratory
Taylor Hematology Laboratory
Trenton Hematology Laboratory
Troy Hematology Laboratory
Wayne Blood Bank
Performed
Sunday – Saturday, 24 hours a day.
Results available within 8 hours.
Reference Range
None seen.
Test Methodology
Wright-Giemsa Stain, Manual Microscopy.
Interpretation
Increased numbers of eosinophils may be found in sputum from patients with bronchial asthma, but is not pathognomonic of asthma. Decreasing numbers of eosinophils in sputum may indicate a good response to corticosteroid therapy. Eosinophils are also found in nasal and conjunctival discharges in seasonal rhinitis (hay fever).
Clinical Utility
This test can assist in the detection and therapeutic monitoring of asthma patients and for the diagnosis of seasonal allergic rhinitis.
CPT Codes
89190
Contacts
Hematology Laboratory – TYL
313-295-5360
Name: Hematology Laboratory – TYL
Location:
Phone: 313-295-5360
Blood Bank Laboratory – WYN
734-467-4285
Name: Blood Bank Laboratory – WYN
Location:
Phone: 734-467-4285
Hematology/Urinalysis Laboratory – GP
313-473-1809
Name: Hematology/Urinalysis Laboratory – GP
Location:
Phone: 313-473-1809
Hematology/Coagulation Laboratory – FH
947-521-8243
Name: Hematology/Coagulation Laboratory – FH
Location:
Phone: 947-521-8243
Hematology/Coagulation Laboratory – TRN
734-671-3862
Name: Hematology/Coagulation Laboratory – TRN
Location:
Phone: 734-671-3862
Hematology Laboratory – DBN
313-593-7905
Name: Hematology Laboratory – DBN
Location:
Phone: 313-593-7905
Hematology Laboratory – RO
248-551-8080
Name: Hematology Laboratory – RO
Location:
Phone: 248-551-8080
Hematology/Coagulation Laboratory – TR
248-964-8040
Name: Hematology/Coagulation Laboratory – TR
Location:
Phone: 248-964-8040
Last Updated
3/19/2021
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