Body Fluid Differential Tutorial (Online CE Course)

(based on 2,740 customer ratings)

Author: MaryBeth Helfrich, MLS(ASCP)
Reviewer: Valerie F. Jalicke, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMPBTCM and Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM

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If you have forgotten the art of differentiating choroid plexus cells from ependymal cells or viral lymphocytes from fluid monocytes, you are in luck! This course provides a thorough morphologic identification of over 40 cell types and disease states to recharge your memory. The course features over 100 crystal clear, perfectly stained body fluid images to illustrate both basic and advanced cellular morphology - perfect for a comprehensive, detailed review which can help refresh any technologist, both in or out of the hematology laboratory. The course is P.A.C.E. approved for 2 full credit hours to help reach your continuing education credit requirements. Enjoy learning and/or reviewing the key identification characteristics of body fluid cells in a user-friendly and fun format. Enroll today!

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Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours (acceptable for AMT, ASCP, and state recertification): 2 hour(s)
Approved through 4/30/2026
Approved through 4/30/2026

Objectives

  • Compare and contrast the morphology of cells found in normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), normal pleural fluid, normal peritoneal fluid, and normal synovial fluid.
  • Identify the morphology of cells found in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL).
  • Distinguish abnormal/reactive/infected cell morphology in fluids.
  • Recognize malignant cell morphology in body fluids.
  • Discuss appropriate scenarios for hematology/pathology review.

Customer Ratings

(based on 2,740 customer ratings)

Course Outline

Click on the links below to preview selected pages from this course.
  • Cytocentrifugation Morphology
  • Cell Types Common To Most Types of Body Fluids
  • Cells Found in Cerebrospinal Fluid
  • Cells Found in Pleural and Peritoneal Fluids
  • Cells Found in Synovial Fluids
      • Synovial Lining Cells
      • Synovial Lining Cells, continued
  • Cells Found in Bronchoalveolar Lavages
    • Bronchial Lining Cells
      • Bronchial Lining Cells
      • Bronchial Lining Cells, continued
      • Match the following cell types to the body fluids in which they may be seen when the fluid is observed on a cytocentrifuged preparation.
  • Infectious Organisms in Body Fluids
    • Bacteria
    • Fungi
      • Yeast
      • Candida albicans - Germ Tube Formation
      • Hyphae
    • Toxoplasma
      • Central Nervous System (CNS) Toxoplasmosis
      • Central Nervous System (CNS) Toxoplasmosis, continued
      • The elements indicated by the arrows were observed on a Wright-stained smear of a synovial fluid. What is the likely identification of the elements, a...
  • Malignant Fluids with Leukemia and Lymphoma.
      • Leukemic Fluids
    • Lymphoid Leukemia/Lymphomas
      • Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): L1 Morphology
      • Central Nervous System (CNS) Relapse: L2 Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
      • Burkitt Lymphoma
      • Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
      • Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL)
    • Myeloid Leukemias
      • Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
      • Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), continued
      • Acute Monoblastic Leukemia (AMoL)
      • True or False: Prominent vacuolation involving the cytoplasm of abnormal lymphoblast-like cells seen in a body fluid preparation is a distinctive feat...
  • Malignant Fluids with Metastatic Tumor
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Intended AudienceThis course is intended for laboratory professionals with experience in peripheral blood morphology and basic body fluid differential analysis.
Author Information: Marybeth Helfrich, MLS(ASCP) is currently a Laboratory Technologist Specialist for the Hematology/Oncology Laboratory at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She received her Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Temple University in Philadelphia and has nearly 40 years of experience in both adult and pediatric hematology and oncology settings. She has been a presenter for ASCLS-PA, ASCP (local and national), and the Texas Teleconference network. She is responsible for hematology morphology instruction and training for medical technologists and fellows. She is also a regular developer of morphology tutorials for in-house continuing education activities.
The author has no conflict of interest to disclose. 
Reviewer Information:
Valerie F. Jalicke, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMPBTCM received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Bioscience Technologies from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. She currently serves as Program Director and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Medical Laboratory Science program at Thomas Jefferson University. She has over 30 years of experience as a medical laboratory scientist with a heavy focus on hematology, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis and body fluids.
Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. He holds Medical Laboratory Scientist and Specialist in Hematology certifications through the ASCP Board of Certification. He was a professor at Thomas Jefferson University for seven years before transitioning into his current role as Education Developer at MediaLab by Vastian. His areas of expertise and professional passions include clinical hematology and interprofessional education.

How to Subscribe
MLS & MLT Comprehensive CE Package
Includes 279 CE courses, most popular
$109Add to cart
Pick Your Courses
Up to 8 CE hours
$55Add to cart
Individual course$25Add to cart
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