Specimen:

Whole Blood

Collection Medium:

Minimum:

Full draw; any size lavender top tube

Testing
Schedule:

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

Analytic Time:

2 hours (upon receipt in laboratory)

Reference Range:

30-40 pg

Test
Limitations:

Blood:  <24 hours old if stored at room temperature
        <72 hours old if refrigerated

Methodology:

Reticulocytes are stained with a polymethine dye, oxazine 750 and cells 
analyzed for cell size and hemoglobin.  Light absorption is 
proportional to the DNA/RNA content.

Sample
Processing:

Transport in original container.

Sample
Storage:

Refrigerate.

Transport
Instructions:

Place specimen into zip-lock type bag, seal bag.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Place coolant packs into styrofoam container.

Instructions:

EDTA Whole Blood

CPT Code:

85046

See also:
Reticulocyte Count (Automated), Whole Blood