RBC Band 3 Protein Reduction in Hereditary Spherocytosis

Label Mnemonic:	RBC BAND3
Epic code:	LAB8617
Downtime form:	Doctor/Provider Orders - Pathology Core and Specialty Care Nursery

Commercial Mailout Laboratory
6240-8 RCP
356-8593

Specimen(s):

Whole Blood

Collection Medium:

Lavender top tube 3 mL (EDTA)

Minimum:

Preferred Minimum: 3 mL whole blood
Absolute Minimum: 0.5 mL whole blood

Also include ONE Wright stained slide.

Rejection Criteria:

Clotted or hemolyzed specimens. Specimens older than 7 days.

Turn Around Time:

1-3 days upon receipt at reference laboratory.

Reference Range:

Normal

Interpretive Data:

This test can be used to confirm the suspected diagnosis of Hereditary Spherocytosis (HS). HS is a common inherited hemolytic anemia characterized by the presence of spherical erythrocytes (spherocytes). HS can be diagnosed based on family history and clinical features, along with clinical laboratory tests including peripheral smear examination, osmotic fragility (OF), ektacytometry or flow cytometry. Band 3 is the most abundant transmembrane protein found in the human RBC. Eosin-5-maleimide (EMA) dye binds to band 3 on intact RBCs and a reduction of fluorescence intensity is seen in hereditary spherocytosis. This test by flow cytometry has been reported to have a sensitivity of 93 percent for diagnosis of HS. Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia Type II, Southeast Asian Ovalocytosis and Hereditary Pyropoikilocytosis are rare disorders that may have a positive result in this test.

Comments:

This test is used to confirm diagnosis of hereditary spherocytosis when hemolytic anemia and spherocytes are present.

Methodology:

Qualitative Flow Cytometry

CPT Code:

88184