Reticulocyte Cellular Hemoglobin
Label Mnemonic: RETHE
Epic code: LAB1145
Downtime form: A-1a Doctor/Provider Orders - Pathology Core and Specialty Care Nursery
Hematology
6240 RCP
356-3527
Specimen(s):
Whole Blood
Collection Medium:
Lavender top tube 3 mL (EDTA)
Minimum:
Full draw; 3.0 mL lavender top; (or fingerstick-purple top microtainer®)
Testing Schedule:
24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Turn Around Time:
1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)
Reference Range:
30-40 pg
Comments:
Refer to BD Microtainer® Tubes product sheet for detailed sample collection instructions.

Other anticoagulants are not recommended.

This test is also performed in the Iowa River Landing (IRL) clinical laboratory (for specimens drawn at that site).
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.
CPT Code:
85046
 
See also:
Reticulocyte Count (Automated), Whole Blood