Comprehensive Reticulocyte Panel, Whole Blood

Test Code

Reticulocytes Comprehensive/RETICC - NOCO

CPT Codes
85046

Includes

Includes Retic %; Retic #; IRF - Immature Retic Fraction; RET-He - Retic Hgb Equivalent

Preferred Specimen

3.0 mL whole blood from Purple EDTA or K2 Pink EDTA

Minimum Volume

1.5 mL
0.50 mL (Microtainer EDTA)

Specimen Stability

Specimen Type	Temperature	Time
Whole Blood EDTA	Ambient	24 hours
Whole Blood EDTA	Refrigerate	48 hours

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Gross hemolysis, clotted

Methodology

Setup Schedule

Monday through Sunday; Continuously

Report Available

Same day

Reference Range

Refer to the Hematology Reference Range and Critical Results documents in the Resources file on the facility test directory page.

Clinical Significance

Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells with a life span in peripheral blood of 1 to 2 days, before they mature to RBC. When reticulocytes are first released from the bone marrow, measurement of their hemoglobin content can provide a snapshot of the amount of iron available for incorporation into the newly produced red blood cell hemoglobin. (need to correctly cite Sysmex).

Performing Laboratory
Banner Fort Collins Medical Center Laboratory
North Colorado Medical Center Laboratory
NLMC

Last Updated: August 13, 2026

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.