Preferred Sample Type
Suitable Specimen Types
EDTA Whole BloodReticulocyte Count
Specimen Volume
1ml minimumSpecimen Transport
Standard transport to laboratorySample Preparation
None
Turnaround Time
24 hours, if urgent by prior arrangement with laboratorySample Stability
4°C for 24 hoursGeneral 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.
For more information please see https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/reticulocyte-count
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