Reticulocyte Count
Use
Evaluate erythropoietic activity which is increased in acute and chronic hemorrhage, and hemolytic anemias; evaluate erythropoietic response to antianemic therapy
Special Instructions
Reticulocytes stained with a fluorescent reagent can be differentiated from mature red cells and other cell populations by light scatter, direct measurements, and opacity characteristics when using an automated hematology analyzer equipped with reticulocyte counting technology. This requires specific handling and precise measurement techniques.
Limitations
Patients who have recently received blood transfusions may show decreased reticulocyte counts on a dilutional basis due to the transfusion. Caution should be exercised in patients receiving a large number of blood transfusions, as the test results might not accurately reflect the actual reticulocyte levels due to the dilution effect.
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Hematology)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 17849-1
- 17849-1
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
Tube fill capacity
Minimum Volume
500 μL for Microtainer™ (capillary) specimens
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA) tube
Collection Instructions
Invert tube immediately 8 to 10 times once tube is filled at time of collection.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate
Causes for Rejection
Hemolysis; specimen more than 72 hours old; clotted specimen; tube not filled with minimum volume; improper labeling; transfer tubes with whole blood; specimen diluted or contaminated with I.V. fluid; specimen drawn in any anticoagulant other than EDTA; specimen received with plasma removed
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 1 day |
| Refrigerated | 3 days |
| Frozen | Unstable |