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Test Code LEU Fecal Leukocytes, Feces

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Fecal


Specimen Required


Supplies: ECOFIX Stool Transport Medium only (T790)

Container/Tube:

Preferred: ECOFIX preservative

Acceptable: Zinc Polyvinyl alcohol (Zn-PVA) preservative

Specimen Volume: Representative portion of collection

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect a random fecal specimen.

2. Carefully follow instructions on container.

a. Place specimen into ECOFIX preservative vial OR Zinc-PVA preservative vial within 30 minutes of passage or collection. Refer to the fill line on the preservative vial. Do not fill above the line indicated on the container.

b. Mix the contents of the tube with the spoon, twist the cap tightly closed, and shake vigorously until the contents are well mixed.


Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Fecal Ambient (preferred) 21 days PVA OR ECOFIX
  Refrigerated  21 days PVA OR ECOFIX

Reference Values

An interpretive report will be provided.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

CPT Code Information

89055

Clinical Information

Leukocytes are not normally seen in feces in the absence of infection or other inflammatory processes. Fecal leukocytosis is a response to infection with microorganisms that invade tissue or produce toxins, which causes tissue damage.

 

Fecal leukocytes are commonly found in patients with shigellosis and salmonellosis and sometimes in amebiasis. Mononuclear cells are found in typhoid fever.

 

Ulcerative colitis may also be associated with fecal leukocytosis.

Report Available

4 to 6 days

Reject Due To

All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.

Method Name

Microscopic/Trichrome Stain

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request (T244) with the specimen.

Specimen Minimum Volume

5 mL