ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Esterase Stain, Nonspecific : 0049050
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Anatomic Pathology Test Request Form Recommended
  


Mnemonic: EST-NS

Methodology: Cytochemical Stain
Performed: Mon-Fri
Reported: Within 5 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Lavender (EDTA) or green (sodium or lithium heparin). OR heparinized bone marrow aspirate.

Specimen Preparation: Blood: Protect from light. Transport 5 mL whole blood AND 6 unfixed, air-dried, and unstained push smears made from the blood submitted. (Min: 1 mL AND 6 unfixed smears).
OR Bone Marrow: Protect from light.
Transport 1 mL heparinized aspirate AND 6 unfixed, air-dried, and unstained bone marrow aspirate smears. (Min: 0.5 mL AND 6 unfixed smears).


Storage/Transport Temperature: Room temperature. Specimens should be received within 24 hours of collection; testing must be performed within 48 hours of collection.

Unacceptable Conditions: Frozen specimens. Peripheral blood smears older than one year. Anticoagulated blood or bone marrow sent without well-prepared unfixed smears older than 48 hours.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: Unacceptable; Frozen: Unacceptable

Reference Interval:
Refer to report.
Interpretive Data: Nonspecific Esterase stain (using alpha-naphthyl butyrate) is very useful in identifying monocytes found in acute monocytic leukemia (AML) types M4 and M5.
CPT Code(s): 88319
Cross References: Nonspecific Esterase Stain (Esterase Stain, Nonspecific), NSE Butyrate (Esterase Stain, Nonspecific)