Laboratory Medicine
Test Directory / Reticulocytes
Reticulocytes
EDTA
| Test | Reticulocytes |
|---|---|
| Common Abbreviations | Ret |
| Profile | FBC added on the same sample |
| Clinical Indication | To help evaluate the bone marrow's ability to produce RBC, and to help distinguish between anaemia related to blood loss or destruction, and anaemia related to decreased RBC production |
| Specimen Type | Blood |
| Sample Type | EDTA |
| Minimum Volume | 1 x 3 mL (adult) 1 x 0.5 mL (paed) (can be shared with a ESR sample) |
| Special Precautions | Must be at least half filled |
| Stability | 24 hrs |
| Turnaround Time | 1 hour (urgent) 4 hours (routine) |
| Laboratory | York Hospital |
| Reference Interval | Reference range printed on final report. |
| Limitations | Test cannot be performed on a sample found to be clotted |
| Additional Information | Measuring the haemoglobin content of reticulocytes, also known as RET-He or reticulocyte haemoglobin equivalent, is a way of diagnosing and monitoring iron deficiency anaemia. This has been shown to be a very effective marker of iron status. |
