Test ID RTIC Reticulocytes, Blood
Reporting Name
Reticulocytes, BUseful For
Assessing erythropoietic bone marrow activity in anemia and other hematologic conditions
Specimen Type
Whole Blood EDTANecessary Information
Specimen must arrive within 48 hours of draw.
Specimen Required
Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)
Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume
1.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Whole Blood EDTA | Refrigerated (preferred) | 48 hours | |
Ambient | 24 hours |
Reference Values
% RETICULOCYTES
1-3 days: 3.47-5.40%
4 days-4 weeks: 1.06-2.37%
5 weeks-7 weeks: 2.12-3.47%
8 weeks-5 months: 1.55-2.70%
6 months-23 months: 0.99-1.82%
24 months-5 years: 0.82-1.45%
6-11 years: 0.98-1.94%
12-17 years: 0.90-1.49%
Adults: 0.60-2.71%
ABSOLUTE RETICULOCYTES
1-3 days: 147.5-216.4 x 10(9)/L
4 days-4 weeks: 51.3-110.4 x 10(9)/L
5 weeks-7 weeks: 51.8-77.9 x 10(9)/L
8 weeks-5 months: 48.2-88.2 x 10(9)/L
6 months-23 months: 43.5-111.1 x 10(9)/L
24 months-5 years: 36.4-68.0 x 10(9)/L
6-11 years: 42.4-70.2 x 10(9)/L
12-17 years: 41.6-65.1 x 10(9)/L
Adults: 30.4-110.9 x 10(9)/L
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday; Continuously
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved or is exempt by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
85045
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
RTIC | Reticulocytes, B | 50262-5 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
PRTIC | Reticulocytes, B | 17849-1 |
ARTIC | Absolute Reticulocyte | 60474-4 |
Clinical Information
Reticulocytes are immature erythrocytes (RBC) that have been released into the peripheral blood from the bone marrow after extrusion of their nucleus. The reticulocyte contains residual polyribosomes used in the formation of hemoglobin in the developing erythrocyte.
Interpretation
The reticulocyte count is a measure of the number of RBCs delivered by the bone marrow. It is elevated with active erythropoiesis such as regeneration, and is decreased in hypoplastic or deficiency conditions such as vitamin B12 deficiency.
Clinical Reference
1. Adeli K, Raizman J, Chen Y, et al: Complex biological profile of hematologic markers across pediatric, adult, and geriatric ages: establishment of robust pediatric and adult reference intervals on the basis of the Canadian Health Measures Survey. Clin Chem 2015 Aug;61(8):1075-1086
2. CLSI. Defining, Establishing, and Verifying Reference Intervals in the Clinical Laboratory; Approved Guideline, Third Edition. CLSI document EP28-A3c. Wayne, PA, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, 2008
3. Soldin J, Brugnara C, Wong EC: Pediatric Reference Intervals. Fifth edition. AACC Press. Washington DC 2005. ISBN 1-594250-32-4
4. Clinical Hematology: Principles, procedures, correlations. Second edition. Edited by CA Lotspeich-Steininger, EA Stiene-Martin, JA Koepke. Philadelphia, Lippincott-Raven, 1998, pp 114-117
Analytic Time
1 dayMethod Name
Flow Cytometry
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Benign Hematology Test Request Form (T755) with the specimen.