Reticulocyte Count, Percent, Automated

Test Code

RETP

Alias/See Also

Retic count, Retic percent, Retic %

Preferred Specimen

Adult: 5-7mL whole blood, based on tube size (1.0mL minimum)
Pediatric: 3mL whole blood (0.5mL minimum)
Neonate: 0.5mL whole blood in microtainer

Transport Container

EDTA (lavender/purple top)

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 48 hours, Refrigerated: 2 days, Frozen: unacceptable

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

Clotted or grossly hemolyzed specimens are unacceptable.

Limitations

The following will interfere with results: Extreme temperatures, other erythrocyte inclusions that stain by new methylene blue dye, some hemoglobinopathies (SS, SC), and specimens older than 72 hrs.

Reference Range

Age	Male Female
Adult (>19 years):	0.5-1.8 % 0.5-1.7%
Pediatric:	Male & Female
0–13 days	1.0 - 7.5
2 weeks-12 years	0.6 - 2.7
13-18 years	0.6 - 2.7

Clinical Significance

The enumeration of reticulocytes provides an effective means of determining red cell production and regeneration. Elevation is seen in patients with hemolytic anemia, hemorrhage (acute and chronic), treatment of iron-deficiency anemia and megaloblastic anemias and uremia. Decreased counts may be seen in aplastic anemia, aplastic crisis of hemolytic anemias and ineffective erythropoiesis as seen in thalassemia, pernicious anemia and sideroblastic anemia.

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.