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22434 Eosinophils, Nasal Smear

Eosinophils, Nasal Smear
Test Code: SMEAR
Synonyms/Keywords
Nasal Smear​
Test Components
Percent Eosinophils, increased amounts of Bacteria, Neutrophils, Epithelial Cells.​
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.
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​ ​
Performing Laboratory 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​
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
Interpretation
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.
Outreach CPTs
CPT Modifier
(if needed)		 Quantity Description Comments
89190​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Synonyms/Keywords
Nasal Smear​
Test Components
Percent Eosinophils, increased amounts of Bacteria, Neutrophils, Epithelial Cells.​
Ordering Applications
Ordering Application Description
​Centricity ​Eosinophil Smear
​Cerner ​Eosinophil Smear Nasal
If the ordering application you are looking for is not listed, contact your local laboratory for assistance.
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
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​ ​
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.
Test Components
Percent Eosinophils, increased amounts of Bacteria, Neutrophils, Epithelial Cells.​
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
Interpretation
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.
For more information visit:
Performing Laboratory 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​
For billing questions, see Contacts
Outreach CPTs
CPT Modifier
(if needed)		 Quantity Description Comments
89190​ ​ ​ ​ ​
For most current information refer to the Marshfield Laboratory online reference manual.