Unidentified cells in a fluid sample (manual cell count)
This test checks for the presence and count of specific cells in a body fluid, such as blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid. It helps identify abnormal cell types that may signal infections, cancers, or other conditions.
["This test helps doctors diagnose conditions by examining unusual cell populations in fluids."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 74236-1
- Short code
- Unident Cells NFr Pcar Manual
- Synonyms
- Unident Cells NFr Pcar Manual
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- manual-count
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is This Test Meant to Do?
The test involves manually counting cells under a microscope. It’s often used to detect abnormal cells that might not be visible with standard blood tests. For example, it can help spot white blood cells in urine that might indicate a urinary tract infection or bladder cancer.
Common Uses and Conditions
This test is commonly used in cases where doctors suspect conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, infections, or kidney disease. It may also be part of a broader diagnostic workup for unexplained symptoms such as fever, weight loss, or unusual fatigue.
Sample Collection and Preparation
The sample is typically collected from a bodily fluid like blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid. The lab processes it by spreading cells on a slide and counting them under a microscope. The manual method ensures accuracy for identifying rare or unusual cells.
How Results Are Interpreted
Results are reported as the number of cells detected per unit volume of fluid. High or low counts of specific cells can signal different health issues, but interpretation depends on clinical context and other test results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal cell counts can indicate serious conditions, such as cancer (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma), infections (e.g., urinary tract infections), or inflammatory diseases. For example, an increased white blood cell count in urine might suggest a bladder infection, while unusual cells in blood could signal blood cancers.
Frequently asked questions
Why might I need this test?
What does it mean if my test shows unusual cells?
How long does it take to get results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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