Reticulocyte Count, Automated
CPT Code(s):
85045
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Whole Blood
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Lavender Top Tube (EDTA)
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Whole blood collected in lavender EDTA tube; inverted several times to mix blood with anticoagulant.
Rejection Criteria:
Hemolysis; clotted specimen; specimen drawn in any anticoagulant other than EDTA; specimen diluted or contaminated with IV fluid; tube not filled with minimum volume; improper labeling; transfer tubes with whole blood; specimen received with plasma removed (plasma is used for other testing)
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
24 hours
Refrigerated:
48 hours
Frozen:
Unacceptable
Clinical Significance
Reticulocyte Count is clinically significant and diagnostically useful in assessing the production of red blood cells (RBCs) in the bone marrow. It provides valuable information about the regenerative capacity of the bone marrow and helps diagnose and monitor various conditions affecting RBC production. The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Reticulocyte Count include:
1. Assessment of Anemia: Reticulocyte Count helps differentiate between different types of anemia, including those caused by decreased RBC production or increased RBC destruction. It aids in determining whether anemia is due to ineffective erythropoiesis or increased blood loss.
2. Evaluation of Bone Marrow Function: The test is used to assess the bone marrow's ability to produce and release young RBCs into the bloodstream. Abnormal reticulocyte counts can indicate bone marrow dysfunction, such as aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, or bone marrow suppression due to chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
3. Monitoring Response to Therapy: In conditions such as anemia or bone marrow disorders, Reticulocyte Count is used to monitor the response to treatment. An increase in reticulocyte count following therapy indicates improved RBC production and bone marrow recovery.
4. Assessment of Erythropoietin Therapy: Reticulocyte count is used to monitor patients receiving erythropoietin therapy for conditions such as chronic kidney disease or anemia of chronic disease. A rise in reticulocyte count suggests an appropriate response to erythropoietin stimulation.
5. Diagnosis of Hemolytic Anemia: Reticulocyte Count helps differentiate between hemolytic anemias and anemias caused by decreased RBC production. In hemolytic anemias, the bone marrow responds by increasing the production and release of reticulocytes into circulation.
6. Assessment of Blood Loss: Reticulocyte Count aids in evaluating the regenerative response of the bone marrow to acute or chronic blood loss. An increased reticulocyte count indicates an appropriate compensatory mechanism by the bone marrow.
7. Monitoring Iron Deficiency Anemia: In cases of iron deficiency anemia, Reticulocyte Count helps assess the response to iron supplementation therapy. As iron stores are replenished, the bone marrow produces and releases more reticulocytes into the bloodstream.
8. Prognostic Indicator: Reticulocyte Count can serve as a prognostic indicator in certain conditions. For example, in patients with sickle cell disease or thalassemia, a high reticulocyte count may indicate increased disease severity.
In summary, Reticulocyte Count plays a vital role in assessing bone marrow function, diagnosing anemia, monitoring response to therapy, and evaluating various hematologic conditions. It provides valuable information about the regenerative capacity of the bone marrow and aids in determining the underlying cause of anemia. The test is a valuable tool for clinicians in managing patients with hematologic disorders and guiding appropriate treatment decisions.