Laboratory Services

Reticulocyte Count

Print this page

Updated Test Information:

Test Description
Reticulocyte Count
Synonym(s)

Retic

Test ID
RETIC
General Information

Evaluate erythropoietic activity which is increased in acute and chronic hemorrhage, and hemolytic anemias; evaluate erythropoietic response to antianemic therapy

Specimen Type

Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Lavender

Specimen Collection / Processing Instructions

Lavender - Invert tube 8 to 10 times immediately after collection

Minimum Sample Volume

0.5 mL of Whole Blood

Pediatric Min. Volume (if applicable)

500 μL for pediatric microtainer capillary tubes; fill tube to capacity.

Additional Processing Details

Specimen is stable at Room Temperature 1 day Specimen is stable Refrigerated 2 days

Stability

Room Temperature: 1 day
Refrigerated: 2 days
Frozen: Unacceptable 

Unacceptable Specimen Conditions

Hemolysis; clotted specimen; specimen drawn in any anticoagulant other than EDTA; specimen diluted or contaminated with IV fluid; tube not filled with minimum volume; improper labeling; transfer tubes with whole blood; specimen received with plasma removed.

Limitations

Caution should be exercised with recently transfused patients (reticulocytes may decrease on a dilutional basis due to transfusion).

Methodology

Automated/Manual

Estimated TAT

0-2 days

Testing Schedule

Monday-Saturday, & STAT

CPT Code(s)

85046

Reference Range

 

RET% 1.0 – 2.6
RET# 47 – 152  10³µL
RET-He 28 – 37
Reflex Conditions

None

Performing Lab

Incyte Diagnostics

LOINC Code(s)

17849-1