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:
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.
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:
tnu-tr.bloodsciencesadditions@nhs.net (external)
Quality assurance:
UK NEQAS Haematology
Interpretation:
Reference ranges:
Reticulocytes 50.0 – 100.0 x 10’9/L
Other info:
Requested as an additional test to a full blood count.