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Test Code RBC Erythrocyte Count, Blood

Useful For

Used to detect, confirm, monitor, or rule out a wide range of hematologic disorders, or to evaluate and manage the hematologic effects of treatments (radiation, chemotherapy, medications) or other conditions (illnesses and injuries).

Synonyms/Keywords

RBC count, Red blood cell count

Specimen Requirements

 

Fasting Required Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)
Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
No Whole Blood EDTA Lavender Top Tube (LTT) EDTA Pink Top Tube (PTT)
 
2 mL One lavender top micro collection tube or 1 mL in     3 mL lavender One lavender top micro collection tube with  0.5 mL
Royal Blue Top Tube (BD trace element, K2 EDTA)

Collection/Processing Instructions

Invert specimen at least 5-6 times in order to facilitate mixing and prevent coagulation.   Prepare blood smear as soon as possible, preferably within two hours of collection, up to 24 hours, label with computer generated label or use pencil to label with patients full name and date. Store slides at room temperature.

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Whole blood Ambient <24 hours
Refrigerated <48 hours
Refrigerated >48 hours may be reported with additional comments

Rejection Criteria

Clotted
Grossly Hemolyzed
Diluted with IV or tissue fluid
Frozen

Test Information

This test is included in CBC without Differential (HGMP) or CBC with Automated Differential (HGMPA).

Reference Range Information

Performing Location Reference Range
All Performing Sites                  0-30 days: 4.10 - 6.70 x 106/uL
           1 - 23 months: 3.80 - 5.40 x 106/uL
                2 - 9 years: 4.00 - 5.30 x 106/uL
Male:     10 - 17 years: 4.20 - 5.60 x 106/uL
Male:          18+ years: 4.15 - 5.55 x 106/uL
Female: 10 - 17 years: 4.10 - 5.30 x 106/uL
Female:      18+ years: 3.85 - 5.05 x 106/uL

Marshfield Labs Performing Department

Marshfield Labs Hematology

Performing Information

Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
Beaver Dam Monday through Sunday Less than 2 hours Laser Flow Cytometry/Sysmex XN-2000 
Weston Monday through Sunday Less than 2 hours Electrical Impediance/Beckman Coulter DXH600
Eau Claire Monday through Sunday Less than 2 hours Electrical Impediance/Beckman Coulter DXH600
Park Falls Monday through Sunday Less than 2 hours Electrical Impediance/Beckman Coulter DXH600
Ladysmith Medical Center Monday through Sunday Less than 2 hours Electrical Impediance/Beckman Coulter DXH600
Lakeview Medical Center Monday through Sunday Less than 2 hours Electrical Impediance/Beckman Coulter DXH600
Marshfield Monday through Sunday Less than 2 hours Unicel Beckman Coulter DxH800
Minocqua Monday through Sunday Less than 2 hours Electrical Impediance/Beckman Coulter DXH600
Neillsville Monday through Sunday Less than 2 hours Electrical Impediance/Beckman Coulter DXH600
Stevens Point Monday through Friday Less than 2 hours Electrical Impediance/Beckman Coulter DXH600
Wisconsin Rapids Monday through Friday Less than 2 hours Electrical Impediance/Beckman Coulter DXH600

CPT Codes

CPT Modifier
(if needed)
Quantity Description Comments
85041        

Outreach CPT Codes

CPT Modifier
(if needed)
Quantity Description Comments
85041        

Ordering Applications

Ordering Application Description
Cerner Erythrocyte Count, Blood