Test Code RETIC Reticulocyte Count, Blood
Performing Laboratory
MaineGeneral Medical CenterSpecimen Requirements
Specimen must arrive within 8 hours of draw if ambient, within 72 hours if refrigerated.
Draw blood in a lavender-top (EDTA) tube(s), and send 0.5 mL of EDTA whole blood. For pediatric specimen, draw a lavender-top (EDTA) MICROTAINER(S)®. (Clotted specimen is not acceptable.)
Note: Label specimen with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and time of draw, and phlebotomist’s initials.
Test Classification and CPT Coding
85045Methodology
Includes immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF).Reference Values
RETICULOCYTE COUNTNewborn: ≤5% (expressed as a percentage of 1,000 RBCs)
Normal values at birth: 2-5%, falling to normal adult level by end of the second week.
Adult: 0.5-1.5%
IRF
0.2-0.4