Reticulocyte Count (089-0016 - Automated Flow Cytometry)

Synonyms:  Retic

CPT Code(s): 85045[automated]

Test Order Mnemonic: RETIC

Test Includes: Reticulocyte percent, absolute count, and immature retic fraction (IRF).

Lab: Hematopathology

Applies To: Assess rate of red cell production; effective versus ineffective erythropoiesis.

Request Form: Hematology A

Collection: Routine venipuncture

Storage Instructions: Unrefrigerated samples accepted up to 12 hours.  Refrigerated accepted up to 24 hours.

Cause For Rejection: Clotted, old specimen, QNS, Identification errors, wrong anticoagulant.

Availability: Samples are accepted 24 hours per day at Sample Management, 5.136 McCullough.

Turnaround Time: STATS: not available.  Routine: 4 hours

Specimen:  Blood

Volume:  1 ml

Minimum Volume: 0.5 ml

Container: EDTA (Lavender-top tube)

Reference Range: Adult 0.5%-2.0%; Newborn 2.5%-6.5%

Test Methodology: Flow Cytometry

Interfering Substances: Thrombocytosis, Giant or Clumped Platelets, Heinz Bodies, Cold Aggultinins, Diagnostic intravenous fluorescent dyes, Malaria, Severe Microcytosis, fragmented RBC’s and in vitro hemolysis.

Reviewed: 3/17/2009 by L. Emanuel, MT (ASCP)