Reticulocyte Count (Retic)

CPT: 85045

Synonyms

Retic

Expected Turnaround Time

24 Hours

Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen

Whole Blood

Volume

5 ml

Minimum Volume

1 ml

Container

EDTA (Lavender Top Tube)

Storage Instructions

Room Temp., Refrigerated (2-8 C)

Stability Requirements

Room temp. 48hrs, Refrigerated 4 days

Causes for Rejection

Mislabeled specimen, sample collected expired tubes, clotted specimen, QNS, excessive platelets clumping, improperly filled tube, specimen contaminated with IV fluids

Test Details

Use

A reticulocyte test helps evaluate conditions such as anemia, bone marrow disorders, or recovery after treatments like chemotherapy or blood transfusion

Methodology

Automated cell counter

Reference Interval

(0.6-2.6)%

Additional Information

Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells (RBCs) recently released from the bone marrow into the bloodstream. They still contain remnants of RNA, which gradually disappear as the cells mature. Measuring reticulocytes provides important information about the bone marrow’s ability to produce new red blood cells and is a key indicator of the body’s response to anemia or blood loss.

A reticulocyte test helps evaluate conditions such as anemia, bone marrow disorders, or recovery after treatments like chemotherapy or blood transfusion. High reticulocyte counts may indicate increased red blood cell production due to blood loss or hemolysis, while low counts may suggest impaired bone marrow function. This test is often performed alongside other complete blood count (CBC) tests to provide a comprehensive picture of red blood cell production and overall hematologic health.

References:

  1. Bain BJ. Blood Cells: A Practical Guide, 5th Edition. 2015.

  2. Hoffbrand AV, et al. Essential Haematology, 8th Edition. 2016.

  3. Kiefer CR, Snyder LM. The Reticulocyte. N Engl J Med. 1999;340:1230–1236.

Footnotes

Statement on Medical Necessity
All ordered tests should be medically necessary for the diagnosis or detection of disease, illness, impairment, symptom, syndrome, or disorder and the results should be used in the medical management and treatment decisions for the patient. Solaris requires ICD-10 codes with each order for lab testing and both the tests ordered and the diagnosis should be documented in the provider’s medical record for the patient. The United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, takes the position that a provider who orders medically unnecessary tests may be subject to civil penalties.

Panels and Profiles
Solaris offers Providers the convenience of ordering test combinations in a group at times with the flexibility to choose appropriate test(s) for individual patients. Providers should only order those tests that he or she believes are medically necessary for each patient, and a lesser inclusive profile or individual tests should be ordered if not all tests in the test combination/profile are medically necessary. All tests offered in a test combination/profile may be ordered separately as individual tests. Solaris encourages clients to contact their Solaris representative if the testing configurations shown do not meet individual needs for any reason, or if some other combination of procedures is needed.

CPT Codes
CPT Codes listed are in accordance with Current Procedural Terminology, a publication of the American Medical Association. CPT codes are the responsibility of the billing party and are listed here for informational purposes. Correct coding may vary from one carrier to another. Solaris may bill specific carriers using codes other than what is shown.

Questions?

For questions or inquiries related to testing please reach out to
customerservice@solarisdx.com or contact us by phone at (844) 550-0308.