Eosinophil Smear, Nasal, Sputum or Urine


Sunquest Code:EOSM  
Epic Code:LAB333Epic Name:Eosinophil Smear
Methodology:Manual enumeration of eosinophils by microscopy with a Wright's stained preparation.
Test Includes:Percentage range eosinophils
Turnaround Time:Performed 24 hours/day; turnaround time is 8 hours.
Special Instructions:Indicate specimen type on request form.


Collection Instructions

Specimen:Nasal, sputum or urine.
Container:Plastic leakproof container, sterile
[Alternate Containers: Sterile tube]
Collection Instructions:
  • Nasal: Nasal secretion is most easily collected by having patient blow nose on a waxed paper or cellophane handkerchief. If no secretion is available from blowing nose, it may be necessary to remove secretion by swabbing area with a cotton applicator. Postnasal secretion may be obtained with a suction cannula.
  • Sputum: Collect sputum into sterile container.
  • Urine: Obtain freshly collected urine. Deliver to laboratory immediately.
Causes for Rejection:Unprocessed urines older than 1 hour must be rejected.


Processing and Shipping

Specimen Processing:Spread nasal/sputum samples onto slide. Urine specimens must be processed within 60 minutes of collection. Store at room temperature.
Shipping Instructions:Do not ship original containers. Use clipped corner slides only. Ship unstained smear (nasal/sputum) cytospin (for urines) in a protective slide holder. Ship at room temperature.
Test Performed at or Referral Lab Hematology  (Range, UMMC-East Bank, Lakes, Northland, UMMC/UMMCH-West Bank, Grand Itasca, St. Joseph's, St. John's, Woodwinds)


Interpretive

Reference Range:No reference range is established., Please correlate with clinical presentation.
Use:
  • Increased numbers of nasal eosinophils, goblet cells, neutrophils and mast cells are found in allergic rhinitis or sinusitis.
  • Sputum eosinophilia is seen with allergic inflammatory responses, during chronic bronchial asthma attacks; with chronic bronchitis and ascariasis.
  • Normal urine does not contain eosinophils.


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