Test Description

A reticulocyte count is a blood test that measures how fast red blood cells called reticulocytes  are made by the bone marrow and released into the blood. Reticulocytes are in the blood for about 2 days before developing into mature red blood cells. The reticulocyte count rises when there is a lot of blood loss or in certain diseases in which red blood cells are destroyed prematurely, such as hemolytic anemia. Also, being at high altitudes may cause reticulocyte counts to rise, to help you adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. The Sysmex technology used by Vibrant America includes, when necessary, the immature platelet fraction. When the Retic-He parameter is reported, critical information for monitoring the patient with kidney disease is available.

When should this test be ordered?
A reticulocyte count may be ordered when CBC results show a decreased RBC count and/or a decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit; A doctor wants to evaluate bone marrow function; An individual has signs and symptoms of anemia or chronic bleeding, such as paleness, lack of energy, fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and/or blood in the stool; A person has been diagnosed and is being treated for a condition known to affect RBC production.
High Risk · Outside Reference Range
Results must be interpreted carefully and in conjunction with results of other tests, such as RBC count, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct) or full CBC. In general, the reticulocyte count (absolute number or percentage) is a reflection of recent bone marrow activity. A high reticulocyte count with anemia may indicate conditions such as: Bleeding, Hemolytic anemia, Hemolytic disease of the newborn
Borderline Risk · None
None determined for this test.
Low Risk · Within Reference Range
Reference Range:

Reticulocyte Count::
Male:: 0.026-0.095 *10^6 (/µL)
Female:: 0.0164-0.0776 *10^6 (/µL)

Reticulocyte::
Male:: 0-1.81 (%)
Female:: 0-1.7 (%)

IRF (Immature Reticulocyte Fraction)::
Male::
(0-6569) days : 5-25 (%)
(>= 6570) days : 2.3-13.4 (%)
Female::
(0-6569) days : 5-25 (%)
(>= 6570) days : 3-15.9 (%)

Retic-Hemoglobin:: 28.2-35.7 (pg)

Testing Method Used
Fluorescent Imaging.

Sample is stable for 2 days at 2-8°C.

Please ship samples daily.
Improvements and Prevention
Specimen Type
EDTA
Fasting Required
No, but may be done with other tests that requires fasting.
Drawing and Processing
  1. Draw from a vein into a K2 EDTA, purple top tubetube3
  2. Invert tube (do not shake) 5-6 times to mix adequately
  3. DO NOT CENTRIFUGE
  4. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 1 hour
  5. Keep cold in a refrigerator to maintain stability, until ready to ship
Shipping Instructions
  1. Freeze ice packs 24 hours prior to use
  2. Place ice packs inside the Styrofoam insulated kit
  3. Place processed tubes inside biohazard bag, place inside kit
  4. Seal box, print airbill and adhere to box and wait for courier to pick up
Rejection Criteria
QNS; temperature out of range upon receipt; grossly hemolyzed or lipemic; wrong specimen type; sample stability exceeded for this analyte; unlabeled or mislabeled specimen.
References

1. Davis BH, Bigelow NC (1994). “Reticulocyte analysis and reticulocute maturity index”. In Darzynkiewicz Z, Crissman HA (eds.). Flow cytometry. Methods in Cell Biology 42. San Diego: Academic Press. pp. 263–74.

The information provided here is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used or substituted as medical advice. You should consult a healthcare practitioner regarding medical diagnosis or treatment.