Reticulocyte Count (Blood)

Testing Laboratory

Department

Haematology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

RET

Test Code (Numeric Code)

1016

Laboratory Handling

Sample Stability

FBC analysis should occur within 6 hours of collection but may be processed up to 24 hours post collection if the sample is refrigerated at 4 degrees C.

Synonyms

Retics, Retic count, RTC

Turnaround Time

1 hour

Available 24 hours

Specimen Type

• Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

3

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Microtainer)
• Please refer to Additional Information below

Additional Specimen Information

Venepuncture collection: Minimum volume required is 3 mL

Micro-collection (capillary collection): Minimum volume required is 0.5 mL

Uncertainty of Measurement

7%

Additional Costing Information

For pricing inquiries, please contact us at 092760167

Reticulocytes are immature red cells containing remnants of ribonuclear proteins.
This material can be stained by certain dyes such as brilliant cresyl blue to differentiate these cells from mature red cells
These proteins cause the "bluish tinge" to Romanowsky stained blood films, which is reported as polychromasia.
Reticulocytes normally mature within 24-30 hours in the circulation but those pushed out prematurely by a stressed marrow, can take up to 3 days to mature.

In the laboratory, reticulocytes are stained with a fluorescent dye and measurements taken of laser Forward Scattered Light and Side Fluorescent Light in Sysmex analysers.

Contact Information

Contact Information