Laboratory Medicine Program

Reticulocyte count

Clinical Decription:
This is an automated test to detect the absolute reticulocyte count. This test plays a major role in the diagnosis of normocytic anemias where an elevated count suggests blood loss or hemolysis and a normal or reduced count suggests intrinsic marrow disease or a result of several secondary causes (eg. anemia of chronic disease, renal dysfunction, endocrine dysfunction). This test also includes Immature Reticulocyte Fraction (IRF) which measures the proportion of immature red blood cell reticulocyte. This test may be helpful in the case of anemia, as higher IRF results may suggest increased erythropoietic response to anemia. Reticulocyte Hemoglobin (Ret-He) test measures the hemoglobin content of the reticulocytes. Low Ret-He results may be seen in iron deficiency and hemoglobinopathies.

Method: Automated/Manual

Component Tests Used: n/a

Reference Ranges Used:
RET;300-110;E+9/L|IRF;2.0-14.5;%|Ret-He;30.4-39.5;%|

Specimen Type: peripheral blood (EDTA)
Collected In: EDTA
Volume: 3 mL mL (minimum: 1 mL mL)

Shipping: 4C

Special Instructions: n/a

Testing Schedule(s): Daily.

Turnaround Time: 1 day

For more information, call 416.340.5227 or 1.866.865.5227