LABORATORY 8: Body Fluid Cell Count

Points Points are awarded for Admission Tickets. Points are also awarded for general lab skills, neatness,
lab clean-up, and teamwork as well as successful and timely completion of study questions. Student results are
expected to be within ± 20% of instructor’s values. Study questions are due by the end of the next lab period
or as designated by the lab instructor.

Overview
This lab is a review of selected body fluids, how they are collected and the manual cell counting procedure.
Students are expected to review and apply objectives provided in the related lecture units.

Objectives
Using the criteria stated in the body fluid cell counts and body fluid differential laboratory exercises, in
accordance with standards set by the instructor, the student will be able to:
1. Correctly classify color and transparency
2. Perform WBC and RBC cell counts on two body fluid specimens within ± 20% accuracy using the
hemacytometer.
3. After making necessary calculations, use appropriate recording format to report results.
4. Use quality control results to determine the acceptability of test results.
5. Answer all pre-test and study questions using related information found in the textbook, lecture guide, and
this lab procedure and submit the results to the instructor by the due date.

Equipment and Supplies

1. Two body fluid specimens
2. Capillary pipets, and Kimwipes
3. Hemacytometer with coverslip
4. Lens cleaner, lens paper, and alcohol prep pads
5. Microscope
6. Cell Counter
7. Petri dish with cover and dampened cotton ball

Supplemental References
Current hematology course textbook
MLAB 1311 course Lecture and Lab Guides and course textbook(s)
Web resources:
Wikipedia – The Free Encyclopedia.
Labtestsonline.org
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/article/Clinical-Laboratory-Science/231094833.html (Collins, Leilani, Examination of
body fluids: evaluating gross appearance; performing cell counts. On-line article, American Society for Clinical Laboratory
Science, Wintr 2009, Volume: 22, Source Issue 1)
Free-ed.net The Free Education Network
YouTube: Loading a hemacytometer correctly http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPhE8I-dpp4&feature=related
YouTube: Counting Cells http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89SB1tAa6kg&feature=fvwrel

MLAB 1311 UA/BF Laboratory Exercise 8

Revised 9/21/2015
 Principles & Related Information
According to Wikipedia, a hemacytometer is a thick glass microscope slide with a laser-etched grid of
perpendicular lines. “The device is carefully crafted so that the area bounded by the lines is known, and the
depth of the chamber is also known. It is therefore possible to count the number of cells or particles in a
specific volume of fluid, and thereby calculate the concentration of cells in the fluid overall.”
The typical Neubauer-type hemacytometer consists of two identical ruled counting areas composed of laser-
etched lines that define squares of specific dimensions. When a coverglass of specified uniform thickness is
positioned over the ruled areas of the hemacytometer, a chamber with a depth of 0.1mm is created. By
counting the cells/particles within a specified part of the grid, it is possible to calculate the number of
cells/particles in a volume of the fluid.

To the left is a drawing representative of how

the entire ruled / grid area of one of the
hemacytometer chambers would appear under
the microscope. The total dimension of the grid
area is 3mm X 3mm.

There are nine (9) larger squares contained

within the grid; each of which measures 1 mm x
1mm. Although their internal appearance varies,
each of these 9 larger squares has a total
volume of 0.1 mm3.
» The volume of a large square = 0.1
mm3.

The large square in the middle of the

hemacytometer grid has been subdivided into
twenty five (25) smaller squares. Each of these
smaller squares has a volume of 0.004mm3.
» The volume of a small square = 0.004
mm3.

Body fluid specimens (other than urine) are collected by way of a minor surgical procedure.
Fluid Collection procedure
cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) Spinal tap / lumbar puncture (needle inserted between the 3rd and 4th OR 4th and 5th lumbar
vertebra)
plural fluid Thoracentesis (needle aspiration of fluid in lung cavity)
pericardial fluid Paracardiocentesis (needle aspiration of fluid surrounding the heart)
synovial fluid Artherocentesis (needle aspiration of joint fluid)

In a normal person, the volumes of these fluids (with the exception of CSF) are too low to be easily obtained. It
is only in conditions of disease or trauma would there be justifiable reason and volume for collection and
testing. The exact number and types of body fluid specimen tubes drawn depends on: the fluid type and
volume, the reason for the procedure, and the test procedures being ordered. Body fluid testing must be
performed ASAP, as the deterioration of specimen components occurs quickly.
The appearance of body fluids can provide valuable diagnostic information about a patient's condition. Both
color and clarity must be recorded on the report form. An abnormal color or clarity in a body fluid can provide
clues to suspected conditions or disease. A milky appearance may indicate involvement by the lymphatic
system; reddish coloring often indicates the presence of blood, and a cloudy thick purulent fluid is often the
result of microorganisms and WBCs.
White and red blood cell counts provide important information for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases
involving CSF, serous, and synovial cavities. Under normal circumstances, these fluids have very low counts.
Increased numbers of cells can be seen as the result of trauma or a disease process.
To summarize, body fluids normally contain very few blood cells, are expected to be sterile and are obtained
and analyzed following a trauma or when infections, hemorrhages, and malignancies are suspected.

MLAB 1311 UA/BF Laboratory Exercise 8

Revised 9/21/2015
Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)
CSF is a clear colorless fluid produced by the choroid plexus of the brain at a rate of approximately 20 mL/hr in
the adult patient. The fluid flows through the subarachnoid space where it serves to cushion, protect and
nourish the brain cortex before being re-absorbed by the arachnoid villus at about the same rate as its
production. CSF is NOT considered to be an ultra-filtrate of blood.
The CSF specimen is collected by lumbar puncture between the 3rd & 4th or 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae and
placed in three sterile tubes; labeled 1, 2, and 3 in the order in which they are drawn. Tube 1 is used for
chemical and serological tests. Tube 2 is used for microbiological tests. Tube 3 is used for cell counts and
differentials. (If a 4th tube is drawn, Tube 1 may not be used.)
The analysis of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) provides physicians a means of evaluating the central nervous
system. Spinal tap and CSF analysis is performed on patients suspected of having meningitis and encephalitis
(due to bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic organisms); neurosyphilis, degenerative nerve diseases such as
multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barre syndrome, subarachnoid hemorrhages and metastatic tumors including
leukemias.
The CSF is normally colorless and clear in appearance. Yellow, pink or orange are abnormal colors. If the
sample remains an abnormal color after centrifugation, the appropriate term to describe the specimen is
‘xanthrochromic. Refer to the lecture materials for more information on xanthochromia.
The normal CSF WBC count is 0-5 / uL in an adult patient (0-3/uL newborns) while the RBC count = 0/uL.

Serous fluids
Serous fluids are the small amounts of fluids within closed cavities of the body. They primarily function to
provide lubrication between the organs and the tissues lining the body cavity. Serous fluids are ultra filtrates of
plasma and are most often pale yellow to yellow in color and clear. They are normally produced and
reabsorbed at constant and balanced rate. An imbalance in the production/ reabsorption results in an effusion
or increased volume. An effusion resulting from a systemic problem would likely be classified as a ‘transudate’
and one resulting from a local inflammatory response would be an ‘exudate’.
Serous fluids are usually collected in sterile tubes and sent to the laboratory for microbiology culture, cell
counts & differential, cytology, and chemical testing. In some cases, the serous fluid may be sent to the
laboratory in the syringe in which it was drawn.
The serous fluids commonly discussed are the plural fluid - from the lung cavity, the pericardial fluid that
surrounds the heart and the peritoneal fluid (also called ascites) which is found in the abdominal cavity.
Synovial fluid, from the joint cavities, is also an ultrafiltrate of plasma, but contains hyaluronate which makes it
much more viscous than plasma. Normally pale yellow and clear, but may have some slight cloudiness due to
the presence of synovial cell debris and fibrin.

The Body Fluid Cell Count

Traditionally body fluid white and red blood cells have been done by manual methods using a hemacytometer
counting chamber. The average number of cells (individually) counted on both sides of the chamber is placed
into a formula that calculates the number of cells per unit of volume.
The basic formula to calculate manual cell counts:

# Cells/uL

Notes:
1. Since the body fluids do not normally contain many cells, they rarely need to be diluted prior to plating on
the hemacytometer. When the specimen is NOT diluted, the Dilution Factor (the number that is put in the
calculation formula stated above) is “1".
On the rare occasions when a dilution is required, normal saline is the diluent of choice, and appropriate
dilution factor must be included in the formula for calculating the results. See listed references for additional
directions on use of the hemacytometer and performance of cell counts.
2. The number of squares and which squares to be counted generally depends on how many cells are
present. If there are very few cells present, counting the cells seen in the entire 9 large square grid will
produce the more accurate results. If there appears to be a large number of cells present, counting a fewer
number of squares or counting the small squares may be acceptable. If initially unsure of the number of
squares to count, consult with your lab instructor.

MLAB 1311 UA/BF Laboratory Exercise 8

Revised 9/21/2015
Agenda
1. Classroom discussion, overview of procedures, activities, and expectations with Q & A.
2. Observe lab instructor demonstrate hemacytometer plating procedure.
3. Students practice loading hemacytometer with sample provided by instructor, followed by instructor
observation of the loading process. Perform manual cell counts on two (2) body fluid specimens provided.
4. Students perform manual cell counts on two (2) body fluid specimens provided. Calculate the reported
results.
5. Use lecture, lab and textbook materials to aid in answering study questions.

Procedure
1. Thoroughly mix body fluid specimen. Observe and record the body fluid’s color and clarity.
2. Clean hemacytometer and coverslip with alcohol. Gently wipe it dry using a soft lint free cloth or lens
paper. Be sure that the alcohol is completely dry before attempting to plate the fluid.
3. Using a capillary tube or a (10-15 uL) semi-automatic pipet, draw up a small volume of the well mixed fluid.
4. To plate the fluid onto the hemacytometer, touch the end of the filled capillary pipet to the “V Slash” area
on the hemacytometer beneath the coverslip. Due to capillary action, fluid will flow from the pipet onto the
hemacytometer. Avoid introducing air bubbles and be sure the hemacytometer is neither under-filled nor
over-filled.
5. Set hemacytometer in a covered petri dish. Including a dampened cotton ball will prevent the specimen
from drying out. Allow it to set undisturbed for five (5) minutes- for the cells to settle into one plane.
6. Remove hemacytometer from the petri dish; carefully wipe any moisture from the bottom of the chamber.
7. Place on the microscope stage and focus initially on 10X. The background light in the field should be kept
relatively low, as the cells will stand out better. Too bright of light will make the cells difficult to see.
8. Start by locating the upper left large square on the low power objective. For samples with few cells
present, count all 9 of the large hemacytometer squares – the entire grid. For samples with numerous cells,
count fewer numbers of squares; such as the 4 outer large squares or the 25 small squares within the
center square. Consult with your lab instructor, if unsure.
9. Once you have located the appropriate starting point on low power, carefully switch the objective of the
microscope to 40X to begin your count. If possible, you should count the WBC and RBC simultaneously –
but keeping the count results separate.

10. As you move from square to square you must continuously, but gently, focus up and down using the
microscope’s fine adjustment knob to see the details of each cell.
a. RBC – smooth, shiny surface, highly refractile, and may have a yellowish or reddish tinge. It may
be a round shape or may be crenated (spiky) but its surface will still be smooth and shiny.
b. WBC – have a rough or grainy surface, not very refractile. May have grayish or bluish tinge. Shape
is generally round, but may have rougher or more irregular outer edges.
c. Debris/Junk – usually very retractile and have indistinct shapes and sizes. Junk annoys us, but it
is NOT reported.

Counting the cells: To obtain valid reproducible results, it is important to count the fields in a prescribed
order. “B” in the picture drawing below left shows the direction to follow for counting cells within the
square. (Do not be concerned with other information on this drawing at this time.)
It is critically important that you count only those cells within the grid’s square as well as any that touch the
left or upper lines, as indicated in the picture drawing on the right. Strict adherence to this pattern of
counting is necessary to avoid double counting of cells or not counting those cells that should be counted.

MLAB 1311 UA/BF Laboratory Exercise 8

Revised 9/21/2015
13. After finishing the count on one side of the hemacytometer, check to make sure your specimen is not
drying up under the coverslip. If it is, re-plate it. Otherwise count the cells on the other side of the
hemacytometer. When finished with your count be sure and clean the hemacytometer with alcohol. Allow it
to dry and carefully return it to its box/drawer.

14. QC Precision check.

Perform the following quick calculation to determine whether the counts obtained from each side of the
hemacytometer chamber are close enough. (A measure of precision.)
a. Add the results of both sides (side 1 plus side 2). Find the square root of this number and
multiply X 2. (“A”).
b. Find the difference between the results of the two sides. (“B”).
c. If “B” is greater than “A”, there is insufficient precision and the count must be repeated. Remember,
if the sample in the hemacytometer chamber shows signs of drying, you must be remix the
specimen and re-plate it.
d. Example:
Side 1 count = 20 WBC
Side 2 count = 15 WBC
20 + 15 = 35 Square Root = 5.916 X 2 = 11.8 (“A”) 20 – 15 = 5 (“B”)
The “A” (maximum allowable) is greater than “B” (the difference), so precision is acceptable.
Now: proceed with calculation of cell count.

MLAB 1311 UA/BF Laboratory Exercise 8

Revised 9/21/2015
15. The Cell Count:
Basic Formula
# Cells/uL

Continuing with above example:

Average number of WBC cells counted (20 + 15 = 35 ÷ 2 = 17.5)

Dilution Factor = 1 (no dilution was made, therefore this number is 1)
Number of squares counted = all 9 large squares
Volume of each (large) square = 0.1 mm

Calculation: 17.5 x 1
9 X 0.1 = 19.4 *Body Fluid results are reported in whole numbers, so = 19 WBCs/uL
would be reported.

MLAB 1311 UA/BF Laboratory Exercise 8

Revised 9/21/2015
 Body Fluid Analysis ____/20 points
XYZ Research Facility
Austin, Texas 78701
Perform two body fluid cell counts on the patients provided and record the results using the proper units.

Patient name

Patient ID

Specimen type

Color

Clarity

WBC count results * Show WBC calculation here

RBC count results * Show RBC calculation here

Testing performed by Date/Time

Patient name

Patient ID

Specimen type

Color

Clarity

WBC count results * Show WBC calculation here

RBC count results * Show RBC calculation here

Testing performed by Date/Time

MLAB 1311 UA/BF Laboratory Exercise 8

Revised 9/21/2015
 Laboratory Exercise #8: Study Questions

Student Name ________________________ Date _____________________ ___ / 25

points

Instructions: Answer the questions as appropriate; unless otherwise stated, each question is worth one point.
Lab Study Questions are due by the end of the following lab period. Using lecture notes, reading assignments
and information presented in this lab, answer the following questions.

1. Complete the following table.

Cerebral Spinal Fluid
Tube number Analyzed in which Lab department?
Tube # 1
Tube # 2
Tube # 3

2. True or False? (Circle one)

CSF and other body fluids can be allowed to sit for up to four (4) hours before laboratory testing takes
place. Briefly explain your answer.

(3 pts total)
3. When performing a RBC count on a CSF sample the technician gets the counts below. Determine whether
the counting procedure was precise enough to proceed with the cell calculation. Show your work and explain
your answer and any action to be taken.
Side 1 = 290 RBCs
Side 2 = 240 RBCs

4. Give the basic hemacytometer formula for calculating manual cell counts.

5. Using the following information, calculate the body fluid cell count. Report your result in the space provided
using correct units. No dilution was used. (3 pts)

WBC: All 9 large squares were used for the count

Side 1 = 14 WBC
Side 2 = 20 WBC
RBC: 5 of the 25 small squares were used for the count
Side 1 = 33
Side 2 = 41

WBC =

RBC =

6. Complete the following table. (3pts)

Type of fluid Normal color Normal clarity
CSF
serous
synovial

MLAB 1311 UA/BF Laboratory Exercise 8

Revised 9/21/2015
7. List at least five (5) reasons for performing a spinal tap procedure and CSF analysis. (5 pts)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

8. Define xanthrochromia.

(2 pts)
9. State four (4) ways a traumatic spinal tap can be distinguished from a cerebral hemorrhage in CSF analysis,
according to the lecture guide and textbook authors.
Characteristic Indicate which
Traumatic tap OR CNS hemorrhage?
1.

2.

3.

4.

(2 pts total)
10. List the CSF normal values for the following. Be sure to use correct units, according to the lecture guide
and textbook authors.
CSF protein
CSF glucose
WBC count
RBC count

(3 pts total)
11. According to the textbook’s authors (Mundt & Shanahan) what microorganisms most commonly cause
bacterial meningitis?

EXTRA CREDIT
1 pt What meningitis causing microorganism is most commonly associated with a patient having a cerebral
shunt?

1 pt What meningitis causing microorganism is most commonly found in an immunocompromised patient?

9

MLAB 1311 UA/BF Laboratory Exercise 8

Revised 9/21/2015