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Unidentified Cells in Serum/Plasma (Qualitative) – Cell Count

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test checks for the presence of abnormal or unexpected cells in your blood serum or plasma, which may indicate underlying health conditions.

Quick summary

["Abnormal cells in serum/plasma can signal infections, autoimmune disorders, or other systemic issues that require further medical evaluation."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
34982-9
Short code
Unident Cells NFr Prt
Synonyms
Unident Cells NFr Prt
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
86592
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 This Test Measures

The test identifies and qualifies specific cell types (e.g., inflammatory cells, malignant cells, or atypical lymphocytes) that may not be detected by routine blood work. Results are described qualitatively rather than numerically, focusing on cell presence/absence or relative abundance.

Common Causes of Abnormal Findings

Abnormal cell counts in serum/plasma can arise from infections (e.g., sepsis, viral hepatitis), inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), or conditions like leukemia or lymphoma. Some tests may also detect immune cell activation (e.g., in autoimmune reactions).

When You Might Need This Test

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like unexplained fevers, fatigue, weight loss, or persistent infections. It’s also used in monitoring conditions like cancer or immune disorders.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. A blood sample is drawn from a vein, similar to a routine blood test. If you’re on blood thinners, inform your provider beforehand.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Why might my provider request this test?
Your provider may need to confirm or investigate suspected conditions like infections, cancers, or immune system dysfunction. This test helps guide treatment decisions by identifying specific cell types not captured by standard blood tests.
What does a positive result mean?
A positive result means abnormal cells were detected. This doesn’t always indicate a specific diagnosis but may prompt further testing (e.g., biopsies, additional bloodwork) to determine the cause.
Can I avoid this test if I’m healthy?
Not typically. This test is usually reserved for patients with symptoms or known risk factors. Routine screening isn’t standard unless recommended by your provider.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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