Reticulocyte Profile, Blood
Use
This test is useful for assessing erythropoietic bone marrow activity in anemia and other hematologic conditions. It assists in the assessment of acute iron deficiency and monitoring the early response to iron therapy or erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. It is also valuable for monitoring therapy for nutritional anemias, erythropoietin treatment efficacy, and early engraftment post bone marrow transplantation. Reticulocytes are immature erythrocytes that provide real-time hemoglobin synthesis status, which is particularly useful in conditions like chronic kidney disease.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
Clotted specimens yield unreliable results and are unacceptable for analysis. Reticulocyte hemoglobin concentration can be decreased in thalassemia syndromes and other microcytic anemias resulting from congenital hemoglobin diseases. A pronounced decrease in reticulocyte hemoglobin, greater than 25 pg, has high accuracy for detecting alpha or beta thalassemia. Interpretation should consider the patient's erythrocyte physiology, including knowledge of recent blood transfusions, iron therapy, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, chemical therapy, and hemoglobin analysis results.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Cell-based / Cytometry (Flow Cytometry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 50262-5 - Retic Pnl
- 789-8 - RBC # Bld Auto
- 17849-1 - Retics/RBC NFr Auto
- 60474-4 - Retics # Auto
- 33516-6 - Imm Retics NFr
- 71694-4 - Hgb Retic Qn Auto
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
3 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Lavender top (EDTA)
Collection Instructions
Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis; Clotted
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 48 hours |