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HelpTest Code SMEAR Eosinophils, Nasal Smear
Useful For
To semi-quantify the number of eosinophils present in various secretions. The semi-quantitation of neutrophils and bacteria will also aid the physician in differentiation between allergic vs infectious or other etiology.
Synonyms/Keywords
Nasal Smear
Specimen Requirements
| Fasting Required | Specimen Type | Preferred Container/Tube | Acceptable Container/Tube | Specimen Volume | Specimen Minimum Volume (allows for 1 repeat) |
Pediatric Minimum Volume (no repeat) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Nasal, Bronchial, Conjunctiva | Unfixed, labeled smears |
Collection/Processing Instructions
Most of the secretions are nasal specimens and are collected by the physician, nurse or MA from the Allergy department. The patient is instructed to blow his/her nose on waxed paper or cellophane. The secretion is scraped to the central point on the paper and then a slide is passed over the specimen touching the secretion. The secretion is then teased out over the slide with a toothpick or forceps and allowed to completely dry. The unfixed smear is labeled with the patient’s name, date of collection, and medical history number on the frosted edge of the microscope slide.
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Nasal, Bronchial, Conjunctiva | Ambient |
Test Components
Percent Eosinophils, increased amounts of Bacteria, Neutrophils, Epithelial Cells.
Interpretations
Moderate or many eosinophils are suggestive of allergic rhinitis. Clinical correlation of all 3 results is necessary to determine if other irritants such as sinus or upper respiratory infections are present.
Reference Range Information
| Performing Location | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| All Performing Sites |
Eosinophils - None Seen/Few per HPF Neutrophils - None Seen/Few per HPF Bacteria - None Seen/Few per HPF |
Marshfield Labs Performing Department
Marshfield Labs Hematology
Performing Information
| Performing Location | Day(s) Test Performed | Analytical Time | Methodology/Instrumentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flambeau Hospital | Monday through Sunday | 1 day | Light Microscopy/Wright Stain |
| Marshfield | Monday through Sunday | 1 day | Light Microscopy/Hansel Stain |
CPT Codes
| CPT | Modifier (if needed) |
Quantity | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89190 |
Outreach CPT Codes
| CPT | Modifier (if needed) |
Quantity | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89190 |
Ordering Applications
| Ordering Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Centricity | Eosinophil Smear |
| Cerner | Eosinophil Smear Nasal |