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Test Code LAB296 Reticulocyte

Clinical System Name

Reticulocyte Count

Synonyms

Retic

LAB296

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

Availability

STAT Performed TAT
Y 24/7 1 h

Performing Laboratory

Seattle Children's Laboratory    

Department

Department:  Core Hematology

Phone Number: 206-987-2617 (Client Services)

CPT Codes

85045

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.

Description

The circulating reticulocyte count is the most convenient method for evaluating effective marrow production of erythrocytes.