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

Minimum Volume

1.5 mL
0.50 mL (Microtainer EDTA)
Note: For neonate requirements see Neonate Minimum Blood Volumes

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
Automated

Setup Schedule

Monday through Sunday; Continuously

Report Available

Same day

Reference Range

RET2 – Retic %:
0-1 month: 2.5- 6.5%
>1 month: 0.7-2.8 %

RET# - Retic #:
0-1 month: 108-410 K/uL
> 1 month: 26-168 K/uL

IRF – Immature Retic Fraction:
1.55-18.31 %
Values above normal range indicate an increase in RBC cellular response from bone marrow.

RETHE- Retic Hbg Equivalent:
0-1 month: 27.5-35.5 pg
>1 month: 30.5-41.0 pg
Pediatric: Less than 27.5 pg is indicative of iron deficiency.
Adults: The RET-He threshold for defining iron deficiency in adults is less than 29 pg. (KDOQI Guideline)

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
McKee Medical Center Laboratory
North Colorado Medical Center Laboratory
Summit View Laboratory

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.