Reticulocyte Count
CPT Code(s):
- 85044
Preferred Specimen:
Whole blood full EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Special Instructions:
Invert tube immediately 9 to 10 times once tube is filled at time of collection
Transport Container:
Lavender-top(EDTA) tube
Transport Temperature Name:
Room temperature
Specimen Stability Components:
- Room Temperature: 1 day
- Refrigerated: 3 days
Testing Schedule:
Daily
Methodology:
Manual cell counter
Reject Criteria:
Hemolysis; specimen more than 72 hours old, clotted specimen, tube not filled with minimum volume, improper labeling, transfer tubes with whole blood, specimen diluted or contaminated with I.V. fluid, specimen drawn in any anticoagulant other than EDTA, specimen received with plasma removed