Important Note

Test subject to Medicare National Coverage Decision (NCD) 190.15 - Blood Counts.

If, in the opinion of the ordering provider, a blood smear needs to reviewed by a technologist for a specific reason or abnormality, please call UVM Medical Center Laboratory Customer Service (847-5121) and ask for this review. If a pathologist consultation is desired a call must be placed to UVM Medical Center Laboratory Customer Service (847-5121). A reason for the request must be provided.

Test Includes: WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, indices, PLT, and differential (may be automated or manual). If blood will be refrigerated overnight, submit 2 smears in addition to the lavender top tube.

This test is subject to reflex testing, see Laboratory Reflex Testing Policy, you have the option to decline reflex testing if you believe it is not medically necessary.  A pathologist review and written interpretation (CPT: 85060) may be generated. in the presence of certain abnormal findings. You have the option to decline reflex testing if you believe it is not medically necessary.

While an automated differential will be the default method used, there are several flags related to the WBC, PLT and RBC parameters that indicate that a manual differential must be performed. A subset of these findings will be reviewed by a pathologist.

When there are less than 50 cells available to count on the differential smears, we will not be reporting out the percentage of cell types or absolute counts as the accuracy and reliability of the differential is low.  A comment will be entered that states the number of cells counted and the cells that are present.  The charge for the differential will be credited.