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RETICULOCYTE COUNT

Test Code
RETC


Preferred Specimen
LAVENDER TOP TUBE


Minimum Volume
0.5 ml


Specimen Stability
24 hours room temp, 72 hours refridgerated


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


Clinical Significance
Test measuring the percentage of reticulocytes amongst red blood cells in whole blood.  Reticulocytes are immature erythrocytes that retain a small network of basophyllic organelles comprised of RNA and protoporphyrin.  The enumeration of reticulocytes provides an effective means of determining red cell production and regeneration.  Increased production occurs in patients with acute blood loss, hemolysis, or in patients receiving therapy for an anemia.  Decreased production occurs when the bone marrow fails to produce an adequate number of erythrocytes.




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.