Preferred Sample Type

Reticulocyte Count

Suitable Specimen Types

EDTA Whole Blood

Reticulocyte Count

Specimen Volume

1ml minimum

Specimen Transport

Standard transport to laboratory

Sample Preparation

None

Turnaround Time

24 hours, if urgent by prior arrangement with laboratory

Sample Stability

4°C for 24 hours

General Information

Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells and an increased number would indicate increased marrow activity. This could be seen in conditions such as haemolysis when there is increased red blood cell turnover.

Notes

Assay Limitations:

The analysers linearity limits are set in the table below:

                  

Possible sample interferences if the following are present:

  • Platelet clumps/ Giant platelets/ Fibrin
  • Cryoprotein/ Cryoglobulins
  • Erythrocyte aggregation (Cold agglutinin)
  • Possibility of fragmented RBCs
  • Lipaemia
  • Abnormal protein
  • Spherocytosis
  • Pseudo thrombocytopenia
  • Malaria
  • Howell-Jolly bodies

Reference Range

For Adult reference ranges click here

Specifications

  • EQA Status: NEQAS
  • EQAS Scheme: Yes

General Information

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