RBC Fragility

Test Code

RBCF

Alias/See Also

RBC Fragility - Incubated
Osmotic Fragility

Quest Code
139731

CPT Codes
85557

Preferred Specimen

5 mL whole blood collected in a sodium heparin (green-top) tube

Minimum Volume

3 mL

Instructions

Do not use gel barrier tubes. Do not pop/open tube. Do not pour off sample. Sample must be sterile.
Samples must be sent to Quest same day as collected (received in the lab as soon as possible after collection).

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Frozen: unacceptable

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

Hemolysis
Received clotted
Collection in gel barrier tube

Methodology
Colorimetric
Kinetic

Setup Schedule

Daily, all shifts

Report Available

3 days

Clinical Significance

Osmotic (RBC) Fragility is used to assess disorders of the erythrocyte membrane. Increased osmotic fragility is found in hereditary spherocytosis, other RBC membrane disorders, and in idiopathic acquired hemolytic anemias. Diminished fragility is seen in conditions in which target cells are found.

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
Chantilly, VA

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.