Basophilspcarmanual
This test counts basophils (a type of white blood cell) in the fluid surrounding the heart to help diagnose conditions affecting the pericardium.
{"Basophils are white blood cells that help fight infection and respond to inflammation","Pericardial fluid is the fluid in the sac around your heart","This test helps doctors find infections, inflammation, or other heart sac problems","The test is done by examining fluid sample under a microscope","Abnormal results may indicate infection, cancer, or autoimmune conditions"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 68393-8
- Short code
- PER-BASO
- Synonyms
- Basophils # Pcar Manual
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, heparinized or EDTA collection tube specifically designated for pericardial fluid analysis; lavender-top (EDTA) tube preferred for cell counts
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 10
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- manual-count
- CPT
- 89051
- SNOMED
- 442951000124104
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 1-2 mL of pericardial fluid; ideally 3-5 mL for complete cell count and differential analysis
- Stability
- Specimen should be analyzed within 1 hour of collection for optimal cell viability. If delayed, refrigerate at 2-8°C for up to 4 hours. Prolonged storage leads to cell lysis and inaccurate differential counts.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 1–4 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The basophil count in pericardial fluid test measures the number of basophils (a type of white blood cell) in the fluid that surrounds your heart. This fluid is called pericardial fluid. Basophils are part of your immune system and help your body fight infections and respond to allergic reactions.
Why is it done?
This test is performed when your doctor suspects a problem with the pericardium (the sac around your heart). It helps identify infections, inflammatory conditions, or abnormal cell growth in the pericardial space. Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like chest pain, fever, or difficulty breathing.
How is the sample collected?
A small sample of pericardial fluid is collected through a procedure called pericardiocentesis. During this procedure, a doctor inserts a thin needle through the chest wall into the pericardial sac to draw out fluid. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is examined under a microscope to count the basophils and other cells.
What do the results mean?
Normal pericardial fluid usually has very few or no basophils. High levels of basophils may indicate infection (such as tuberculosis), inflammation, or in rare cases, certain cancers. Your doctor will interpret the results along with other tests and your symptoms to make a diagnosis.
Reference range
Basophils are typically absent or present in very low numbers (<1% of nucleated cells) in normal pericardial fluid. Expected reference range is approximately 0-10 cells/µL; reference ranges vary by laboratory and should be interpreted in context of total nucleated cell count and clinical presentation.N/A
No patient preparation required prior to pericardial fluid collection. Pericardial fluid is obtained via pericardiocentesis performed by a qualified physician under sterile conditions, typically guided by echocardiography.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Is this test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
Are there any risks from this test?
Do I need to prepare for this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy