Test Code LAB296 Reticulocyte
Clinical System Name
Reticulocyte Count
Description
The circulating reticulocyte count is the most convenient method for evaluating effective marrow production of erythrocytes.
Sample Requirements
Specimen: Whole Blood
Container(s): Lavender/EDTA
Preferred Vol: 1.0-3.0 mL
Minimum Vol: 0.5 mL Microtainer; 1.0 mL Macrotainer
Notes: A Lavender top/EDTA Macrotainer must contain at least 1.0 mL.
Processing Instructions
Reject due to: Insufficient Quantity, Wrong Sample Collection, Clotted Sample, Age of specimen
Spin: N
Aliquot: N
Temp: RT
Storage location: Core 5 Fridge
Off-site collection: Store whole blood at room temperature and transport to Children's Lab immediately. Samples > 24 hours old may be rejected.
Stability
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Whole blood | RT |
≤ 24 h |
| Whole blood | 2-8 C |
≤ 48 h |
| -20 C or -70 C |
N |
Performing Laboratory
Seattle Children's Laboratory
Department
Department: Core Hematology
Phone Number: 206-987-2617 (Client Services)
Synonyms
Retic
LAB296
Availability
| STAT | Performed | TAT |
|---|---|---|
| Y | 24/7 | 1 h |
Methodology
Method: Sysmex XN-3000 & XN-1000: Flow cytometry with semiconductive laser
Analytical Volume: 0.25 mL whole blood
Reference Range
| Test |
Age |
Range |
| Reticulocyte |
0 - 1 Day |
1.80 - 4.60% |
| Reticulocyte |
1 Day - 1 Week |
0.10 - 0.90% |
| Reticulocyte |
1- 4 Weeks |
0.30 - 0.90% |
| Reticulocyte |
4 - 6 Weeks |
0.30 - 1.70% |
| Reticulocyte |
6 - 8 Weeks |
0.80 - 2.20% |
| Reticulocyte |
8 - 10 Weeks |
0.50 - 1.90% |
| Reticulocyte |
10 - 12 Weeks |
0.40 - 1.00% |
| Reticulocyte |
12 Weeks - Adult |
0.50 - 1.50% |
| Ret-He* | 0 - Adult | 28 pg - 38 pg |
| Raw Retic ABS | 0 - Adult | 0.018 – 0.100 M/mm3 |
*Reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (Ret-He) is a parameter dependent on the hemoglobin content of the reticulocytes. Ret-He is usually decreased in patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). IDA could be diagnosed with a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 83% when the Ret-He is low.
CPT Codes
85045