Cell Count, Body Fluids: Booking, Price, and Results
About Cell Count, Body Fluids: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Body Fluid Cell Count, Fluid Cell Count, Total Nucleated Cell Count (Body Fluid), Serous Fluid Cell Count |
| Sample Type | Ascitic fluid or body fluid (collected by a doctor via a clinical procedure) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 1 Day |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders, as clinically indicated |
| Price | Starting at ₹250 |
What Is a Cell Count, Body Fluids?
A Cell count, Body Fluids test examines the number and types of cells present in fluid collected from specific body cavities. Doctors use it to investigate symptoms related to the brain, lungs, joints, or abdomen. The sample, whether ascitic, pleural, synovial, cerebrospinal, or another body fluid, is collected by a trained medical professional using a specialised procedure.
What Does a Cell Count, Body Fluids Test Measure?
The Cell count, Body Fluids test analyses several cell types manually in the laboratory. Here is what each measurement tells your doctor:
| Parameter | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Total Nucleated Cell Count (TNC-BF) | Total number of cells with nuclei, mostly white blood cells, in the fluid |
| Polymorphonuclear Cell Count (PMN-BF) | Count of neutrophils and related cells, reported as a number and percentage |
| Mononuclear Cell Count (MN-BF) | Count of lymphocytes and monocytes, reported as a number and percentage |
| Red Blood Cell Count (RBC) | Number of red blood cells present, which helps detect bleeding into the fluid |
Why Is a Cell Count, Body Fluids Done?
This test helps doctors understand what is happening inside a body cavity when symptoms point to infection, inflammation, or another underlying problem.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are among the most common reasons a doctor orders a Cell count, Body Fluids test:
- Severe headache, sometimes with neck stiffness
- Joint pain or visible swelling
- Difficulty breathing
- Abdominal pain or noticeable fluid build-up in the abdomen
- Persistent fever without a clear cause
- Unexplained fluid accumulation in a body cavity
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A Cell count Body Fluids analysis can provide information relevant to several conditions:
- Meningitis (infection of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord)
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (bleeding around the brain)
- Pleurisy (inflammation of the lining around the lungs)
- Peritonitis and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with ascites (excess fluid in the abdomen)
- Septic arthritis, synovitis and other inflammatory joint diseases
- Malignancy (cancer) affecting body cavities
- Tuberculosis and other chronic infections
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Because the fluid is collected by a doctor inside a clinical setting, preparation for a Cell count, Body Fluids test procedure is straightforward.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before this test. You may eat and drink as normal on the day of collection.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your appointment:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant medical records, as this is required for the test.
- Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking, as some may affect results.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area where the fluid will be collected.
- Follow any additional instructions given by your healthcare provider, as these may vary depending on which fluid is being tested.
- Arrange for family or friends to accompany you and take care of you post procedure.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The Cell count, Body Fluids test procedure varies by fluid type. A doctor collects the sample in a clinical setting under sterile conditions. Here is what to expect:
- Your doctor reviews your clinical history and decides which type of fluid to sample (for example, ascitic, pleural, synovial, or cerebrospinal fluid).
- You are positioned appropriately for the procedure: lying down, seated, or on your side, depending on the site.
- The skin over the collection site is cleaned and, where necessary, a local anaesthetic is applied to reduce discomfort.
- The doctor uses a fine needle or catheter to withdraw fluid from the body cavity using the appropriate technique (for example, paracentesis for abdominal fluid, thoracentesis for pleural fluid, or lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid; sometimes under ultrasound guidance)
- The collected fluid is placed in a sterile container and labelled carefully.
- The sample is stored under refrigeration (2 to 8°C) and dispatched promptly to the NABL-accredited Lupin Diagnostics laboratory for manual cell counting and analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of Cell count, Body Fluids results:
- Delay in sending the sample to the laboratory. Fluids older than 24 hours are not suitable for accurate cell counting
- Blood contamination during collection (a traumatic tap), which can falsely raise cell counts
- Improper container or storage conditions during transport
- Underlying conditions such as cancer, autoimmune disease, or recent injury, which can alter cell counts independently
- Certain medications taken before the procedure
Understanding Your Cell Count, Body Fluids Results
Results from this test must always be read alongside your symptoms, medical history, and any other investigations your doctor has ordered. Below are general reference ranges for common body fluid types.
| Body Fluid | Parameter | Normal Range |
|---|---|---|
| Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) | WBC | 0 to 5 cells per µL |
| Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) | RBC | 0 cells per µL |
| Synovial Fluid | WBC | 0 to 199 cells per µL (normal); 200 to 2,000 per µL (non-inflammatory) |
| Pleural or Pericardial Fluid | WBC | Below 1,000 cells per µL (transudate) |
| Peritoneal Fluid | WBC | Below 500 cells per µL |
| Ascitic Fluid | Neutrophils | Below 250 cells per µL |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain underlying situations can make results harder to interpret. Your doctor will account for these when reviewing your report:
- Conditions such as cancer, autoimmune disease, or inflammatory arthritis can raise cell counts independently of acute infection, reducing the test's specificity in those situations.
- Red blood cells found in cerebrospinal fluid may indicate bleeding around the brain, but can also result from a blood vessel being nicked during needle insertion (a traumatic tap). Your doctor will distinguish between these possibilities using other clinical information.
- Recent use of certain medications may shift cell counts and should be disclosed to your doctor.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While cell counts in body fluids reflect specific clinical events rather than everyday lifestyle, the following general habits support overall health:
- Practise good hygiene to lower the risk of infections that could affect body cavities.
- Seek prompt medical attention if you develop a severe headache with neck stiffness, sudden joint swelling, or difficulty breathing.
- Follow your doctor's advice for managing any chronic conditions, as good disease control helps keep inflammatory markers stable.
Lupin Diagnostics Cell Count, Body Fluids Price
The Cell count, Body Fluids test is priced starting at ₹250 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or a hospital where the sample collection procedure is performed by a trained medical professional. Home collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 200 |
| CHENNAI | 230 |
| HYDERABAD | 150 |
| KOLKATA | 190 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 250 |
| PUNE | 250 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your Cell count, Body Fluids test online is straightforward:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time; a qualified medical professional will collect the body fluid sample there.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within 1 day.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Cell count, Body Fluids test measures the number and types of cells in fluids collected from body cavities such as the abdomen, lungs, joints, or the space around the brain and spine. It helps doctors identify infection, inflammation, bleeding, or other abnormalities in these areas.
Your doctor may request a Cell count, Body Fluids analysis if you have symptoms such as severe headache with neck stiffness, unexplained joint swelling, abdominal pain with fluid build-up, or difficulty breathing. These symptoms can point to conditions that affect body cavities.
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink normally before the test. The main preparation is to bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms and any previous test results, as this information is needed for accurate interpretation.
The collection method depends on which fluid is being tested. Cerebrospinal fluid is collected via a lumbar puncture (spinal tap), pleural fluid via thoracentesis (a needle through the chest wall), and abdominal fluid via paracentesis. All procedures are carried out by trained doctors in a clinical setting.
Some discomfort is normal depending on the procedure involved. Your doctor will use a local anaesthetic to minimise pain. The degree of discomfort varies by fluid type and the individual patient. Your doctor will explain what to expect before the procedure begins.
No. The Cell count, Body Fluids test requires specialised collection procedures that must be performed by a qualified medical professional in a sterile clinical environment. Home collection is not available for this test.
Your report will be available within 1 day of sample collection. Lupin Diagnostics delivers reports digitally via email or WhatsApp, processed in NABL-accredited laboratories.
Cell Count, Body Fluids: Booking, Price, and Results
