Reticulocyte Count (part of FBC)
Clinical Background:
Reticulocytes are recently produced, relatively immature Red Blood Cells which still have some remnant genetic material (RNA). As they mature they lose the last residual RNA and most are fully deve...
Reticulocytes are recently produced, relatively immature Red Blood Cells which still have some remnant genetic material (RNA). As they mature they lose the last residual RNA and most are fully developed within one day of being released from the bone marrow. Normally less than 2% of circulating red cells are Reticulocytes. It is a good test of bone marow activity. Increased counts are often seen in acute or chronic bleeding that leads to anaemia as the bone marrow increases RBC production and releases the cells into the circulation sooner in a more immature state. Decreased counts can be seen in some deficiency states (iron, B12 or Folate deficiency, bone marrow failure or low levels of erythropoietin). Measurement is not part of the routine FBC, but the test is available on demand for appropriate cases
Test Details
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Discipline:
Haematology
Haematology
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Specimen Container Adult:
Purple - EDTA
Purple - EDTA
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Light Pink - EDTA
Light Pink - EDTA
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Minimum Volume Adult:
1.0mL
1.0mL
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
0.5mL
0.5mL
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Special Requirement:
Ensure adequate mixing.
Ensure adequate mixing.
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Sample Stability:
24 hrs
24 hrs
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Transport Requirements:
Samples should be transported to lab without delay
Samples should be transported to lab without delay
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Freq Analysis:
Continuous
Continuous
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Add On Test:
tnu-tr.bloodsciencesadditions@nhs.net (external)
tnu-tr.bloodsciencesadditions@nhs.net (external)
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Quality Assurance:
UK NEQAS Haematology
UK NEQAS Haematology
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Reference Ranges:
Reticulocytes 50.0 - 100.0 x 10'9/L
Reticulocytes 50.0 - 100.0 x 10'9/L
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Other Info:
Requested as an additional test to a full blood count.
Requested as an additional test to a full blood count.
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Routine Contact Name:
RVI or Freeman Section Leaders
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Routine Telephone:
RVI: 0191 2820332, Freeman: 0191 2231195
RVI: 0191 2820332, Freeman: 0191 2231195
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Specialist Test:
No
No
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Specialist Contact Name:
Haematology and Haemostasis Healthcare Scientist
Haematology and Haemostasis Healthcare Scientist
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Specialist Telephone:
0191 2139758
0191 2139758
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Specialist Email:
alison.brown93@nhs.net
alison.brown93@nhs.net