Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
The RBC enumerates the number of red blood cells in the peripheral blood and is expressed as x10^12/L. Red blood cells contain Haemoglobin the protein which is responsible for oxygen transport from the lungs to the tissues. The amount of oxygen that is delivered to the tissues depends on the number of red cells present and how normally they function. Used as part of health screening and monitoring treatment and/or progression in disorders that affect red cell numbers such as anaemia or CHD.
Specimen container paediatric:
Light Pink – EDTA
Specimen container adult:
Purple – EDTA
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5mL
Minimum volume adult:
1.0mL
Special requirements:
Ensure adequate mixing.
Sample stability:
24 hrs
Transport requirements:
Samples should be transported to lab without delay
Freq analysis:
Continuous
Add on test:
[email protected] (external)
Quality assurance:
UK NEQAS Haematology
Interpretation:
Reference ranges:
The following should be used only as a guide as patient specific age and sex related ranges are available electronically.
Male 4.50 – 5.50 x 10’12/L
Female 3.80 – 4.80 x 10’12/L
Other info:
As part of a full blood count