Specimen

Erythrocytes

Collection Medium:

Minimum:

Full draw; any size lavender top; (or fingerstick)

Testing Schedule:

24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Analytic Time:

1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)

Reference Range:

Age                     Absolute Reticulocyte Range
      1 - 3 Days*            77 - 283 K/mm3
      4 - 30 Days*           14 - 159 K/mm3
     31 - 60 Days*           28 - 201 K/mm3
60 Days - Adult              12 - 130 K/mm3
*Full Term Infant

Normals for manual counts are the same as the automated counts.

Comments:

A reticulocyte count can usually be added to any CBC sample <24 hours 
old.

Methodology:

Flow Cytometry
Reticulocyte counts are usually performed using flow cytometry method.  
The RNA in the Reticulocytes is stained and the stained cells are then 
detected and enumerated on the basis of absorption and light scatter 
measurements using the Advia laser optics. Manual counts are done as a 
backup method.

CPT Code:

85045