White Blood Cell Other Count, Manual, Non-Referral Laboratory (Other/Tissue Fluid)
This test manually counts white blood cells in a body fluid other than blood to help determine whether inflammation or infection is present in that fluid.
["A manual white blood cell count in a non-blood body fluid helps assess inflammation or infection in that sample."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14858-5
- Short code
- WBC Other NFr Plr Manual
- Synonyms
- WBC Other NFr Plr Manual
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- fluid
- Container
- Sterile tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.5
- Ref high
- 11
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 30 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- manual-count
- CPT
- 85004
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003002
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 300
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
About the Test
This test applies a manual counting method to measure white blood cells in a fluid specimen that is not whole blood, such as a body cavity or other biological fluid. Manual counting is performed under a microscope by laboratory personnel, which allows careful review of the cells present.
Why It Is Ordered
Healthcare providers may order this test when they need to evaluate a fluid sample for evidence of infection, inflammation, or other conditions. The white blood cell count in a fluid can help support or rule out certain diagnoses when interpreted alongside symptoms and other test results.
How the Sample Is Collected
The fluid sample is collected by a healthcare professional using a procedure appropriate to the type of fluid being tested. The collection method depends on the clinical situation, and the specimen is then sent to the laboratory for manual examination.
What the Results Mean
Results are reported as a count of white blood cells in the fluid, and the meaning depends on the type of fluid and the clinical context. Your provider will interpret the count together with other findings; no single numeric range applies to all fluids, so discuss your specific result with your healthcare team.
Reference range
Adult: 4.5-11.0 x 10^9/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A manual white blood cell count in a non-blood fluid can provide useful information about localized inflammation or infection. Because normal values and interpretation differ by fluid type and collection site, results are always evaluated in the context of the patient's symptoms, other laboratory findings, and imaging or clinical studies.
Short name
WBC Other Fluid Count (Manual)
Frequently asked questions
Does this test diagnose an infection on its own?
Is this the same as a standard blood white blood cell count?
Will I need to prepare for this test?
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