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Epic Test Code LAB296 Reticulocyte Panel

Performing Location(s)

BMC,CRH,LFH,HRK,FOX

Synonyms

Retic Count

Specimen Type

Whole Blood

Preferred Container

Lavender top tube

Alternate Container

Purple top microtainer

Blood Tube Draw Volume

Min 50% draw volume  

Minumum Volume to Submit for Testing

3.0 mL whole blood

  • Multiple test can be performed from this volume. For question please contact the lab at 547-3975.  

Transportation Needs

Deliver to the laboratory within 12 hours at room temperature.

If not possible, refrigerate at 2-8° Celsius

Storage Requirements

Refrigerate up to 24 hours

Causes for Rejection

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen
Less than 50% draw for Vacutainer tubes
Collection in any tube other than the K2EDTA tube
Specimen greater than 12 hours at room temperature or > 24 hours at 2-8° Celsius
Clotted specimens

Limitations

The reticulocyte count is not a reliable marker for marrow response to anemia after blood product transfusion ( >/= 3 units) within the last 3 months

Reference Values

Population Reticulocyte % Reticulocyte Absolute# (x106)cells/uL
Newborn - 1 month 3.0 - 7.0 0.12 - 0.41
1 month - 5 month 0.1 - 1.7 0.0 - 0.12
5 month - 2 years 0.7 - 2.3 0.04 - 0.12
2 years - 12 years 0.5 - 1.0 0.04 - 0.06
Greater than 12 years 0.6 - 2.3 0.04 - 0.12
Note:
The reticulocyte count is not a reliable marker for marrow response to anemia after blood product transfusion (³3 units) within the last 3 months. 

All Populations

Reticulocyte Hemoglobin Equivalent

30.8-36.6 pg

All Populations

Immature Reticulocyte Fraction

2.3-15.9 %

RPI Reference Comment-
An RPI >3 shows a normal marrow response to anemia.

An RPI <2 is an inadequate response to anemia.

A normal H&H, and RPI of 1 is Normal.

Days of Analysis

All

Available STAT

Yes

Includes

Hematocrit, Percentage (%) of reticulocytes, Absolute number (#) of reticulocytes, Reticulocyte Product Index (RPI), Reticulocyte Hemoglobin Equivalent (RET-He), Immature Reticulocyte Fraction (IRF).

Additional Information

DO NOT FREEZE

Methodology

Flow cytometry

CPT Code

85045

Last Updated

18-Oct-21