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HelpTest Code RETIC Reticulocyte Count
Useful For
Assessing erythropoetic bone marrow activity in anemia.
Synonyms/Keywords
Retic 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 1.0 mL in 3 mL lavender | One lavender top micro collection tube with 0.5 mL |
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, labeled 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 | <72 hours | |
| Refrigerated | >72 hours may be reported with additional comments |
Rejection Criteria
| Clotted |
|---|
| Grossly Hemolyzed |
| Diluted with IV or tissue fluid |
| Frozen |
Test Information
Normal ranges were established at Marshfield Labs using non-parametric analysis (95% limits) of results on 100 patient specimens. Reticulocytes are measured using flow cytometry technology and supravital staining with new methylene blue. A computer algorithm converts light scatter and particle count into Reticulocyte % and absolute #. Immature Reticulocyte Fraction (IRF) also reported.
Reference Range Information
| Performing Location | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| Marshfield | Reticulocyte %: 0.50-1.77% Reticulocyte #: 22.7-84.5 x10^3/uL IRF: 20.0-43.0% |
Marshfield Labs Performing Department
Marshfield Labs Hematology
Performing Information
| Performing Location | Day(s) Test Performed | Analytical Time | Methodology/Instrumentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weston | Monday through Sunday | Less than 2 hours | Electrical Impediance/Beckman Coulter DXH600 |
| Marshfield | Monday through Sunday | Less than 2 hours | Unicel Beckman Coulter DxH800 |
CPT Codes
| CPT | Modifier (if needed) |
Quantity | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85046 |
Outreach CPT Codes
| CPT | Modifier (if needed) |
Quantity | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85046 |
Ordering Applications
| Ordering Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Centricity | Reticulocyte Count (Retic) |
| Cerner | Reticulocyte Count |