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HelpTest Code RETC Reticulocyte Count, Automated
Performing Laboratory
Hunterdon Medical Center
Useful For
Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells which still contain RNA; they serve as an indicator of erythrypoietic activity in the bone marrow. Measurement assists in the evaluation of anemia and other hematologic disorders.
Test Includes
- Reticulocyte Automated
- Reticulocyte Absolute
- Mean Reticulocyte Volume
- Immature Reticulocyte Fraction
Specimen Required
| Container/Tube | Lavender EDTA | Lavender Microtainer® |
| Specimen Volume | 3.0mL | 500uL |
| Minimum Volume | 1.0 mL | >250uL |
Specimen Type
EDTA Whole Blood
Specimen Transport Temperature
Ambient
Specimen Stability Information
| Temperature | Time Frame |
| Ambient 15-25°C | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated 2-8°C | 72 hours |
Reject Due To
1. Blood not drawn in EDTA container
2. Specimen below minimum volume
2. Clotted specimen
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Reference Values
| Reticulocyte, Automated | ||
| Age | Range | Units |
| 0-4 days | 2.20-4.80 | % |
| >4 days-30 days | 0.40-2.70 | % |
| >30 days-6 months | 0.90-3.80 | % |
| >6 months-6 years | 0.80-2.00 | % |
| >6 years-12 years | 0.70-2.20 | % |
| >12 years-18 years | 0.80-2.20 | % |
| >18 years | 0.45-2.30 | % |
| Test | Range | Units |
| Reticulocyte Absolute | 0.02-0.11 | 10*12/L |
| Mean Reticulocyte Volume | 102.7-124.9 | fL |
| Immature Reticulocyte Fraction | 0.16-0.36 |
Method Name
Methylene Blue Stain performed on Beckman/Coulter DxH 800.
CPT Code Information
85405
LOINC Code Information
| Test | LOINC |
| Reticulocyte, Automated | 17849-1 |
| Reticulocyte Absolute | 14196-0 |
| Mean Retic Volume | 48706-6 |
| Immature Retic Fraction | 33516-6 |