Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Sign In

22861 Reticulocyte Count

Reticulocyte Count
Test Code: RETIC
Synonyms/Keywords
​Retic Count
Useful For
​Assessing erythropoetic bone marrow activity in anemia.
Specimen Requirements
Fasting Required Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)
Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
No​ Whole Blood​EDTA Lavender Top Tube (LTT)​EDTA Pink Top Tube (PTT)​2 mL​One lavender top micro collection tube or 1.0 mL in 3 mL lavender​One lavender top micro collection tube with 0.5 mL​
Collection Processing Instructions
Invert specimen at least 5-6 times in order to facilitate mixing and prevent coagulation.
 
Prepare blood smear as soon as possible, preferably within two hours of collection, up to 24 hours, label with computer generated label or use pencil to label with patients full name and date. Store slides at room temperature.​
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type Temperature Time
Whole blood​ Ambient​ <24 hours​
Refrigerated​ <72 hours​
Refrigerated​ >72 hours may be reported with additional comments​
Rejection Criteria
Clotted
Grossly Hemolyzed​
​Diluted with IV or tissue fluid
​Frozen
Performing Laboratory Information
Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
​Diagnostic Treatment Center ​​Monday through Sunday​Less than 2 hoursElectrical Impediance/Beckman Coulter DXH600
​Marshfield​Monday through SundayLess than 2 hours​Unicel Beckman Coulter DxH800​
Test Information
​Normal ranges were established at Marshfield Labs using non-parametric analysis (95% limits) of results on 100 patient specimens. Reticulocytes are measured using flow cytometry technology and supravital staining with new methylene blue. A computer algorithm converts light scatter and particle count into Reticulocyte % and absolute #. Immature Reticulocyte Fraction (IRF) also reported.
Reference Range Information
Performing Location Reference Range
Marshfield​ Reticulocyte %: 0.50-1.77%
Reticulocyte #: 22.7-84.5 x10*3/uL
                 IRF: 20.0-43.0%​
Outreach CPTs
CPT Modifier
(if needed)
Quantity Description Comments
85046​
Synonyms/Keywords
​Retic Count
Ordering Applications
Ordering Application Description
​Centricity ​Reticulocyte Count (Retic)
​Cerner ​Reticulocyte Count
If the ordering application you are looking for is not listed, contact your local laboratory for assistance.
Specimen Requirements
Fasting Required Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)
Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
No​ Whole Blood​EDTA Lavender Top Tube (LTT)​EDTA Pink Top Tube (PTT)​2 mL​One lavender top micro collection tube or 1.0 mL in 3 mL lavender​One lavender top micro collection tube with 0.5 mL​
Collection Processing
Invert specimen at least 5-6 times in order to facilitate mixing and prevent coagulation.
 
Prepare blood smear as soon as possible, preferably within two hours of collection, up to 24 hours, label with computer generated label or use pencil to label with patients full name and date. Store slides at room temperature.​
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type Temperature Time
Whole blood​ Ambient​ <24 hours​
Refrigerated​ <72 hours​
Refrigerated​ >72 hours may be reported with additional comments​
Rejection Criteria
Clotted
Grossly Hemolyzed​
​Diluted with IV or tissue fluid
​Frozen
Useful For
​Assessing erythropoetic bone marrow activity in anemia.
Reference Range Information
Performing Location Reference Range
Marshfield​ Reticulocyte %: 0.50-1.77%
Reticulocyte #: 22.7-84.5 x10*3/uL
                 IRF: 20.0-43.0%​
For more information visit:
Performing Laboratory Information
Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
​Diagnostic Treatment Center ​​Monday through Sunday​Less than 2 hoursElectrical Impediance/Beckman Coulter DXH600
​Marshfield​Monday through SundayLess than 2 hours​Unicel Beckman Coulter DxH800​
For billing questions, see Contacts
Outreach CPTs
CPT Modifier
(if needed)
Quantity Description Comments
85046​
For most current information refer to the Marshfield Laboratory online reference manual.