Test Directory

Reticulocyte Count

Containers - Adult

Red Cap Tube EDTA KE 2.7ml	Volume Range >1.5ml Additive per Container EDTA

Containers - Child

Pink Capped EDTA Blood	Volume Range 1.2ml K3 EDTA monovette tube >0.5ml required Additive per Container EDTA

Reference ranges

Reticulocyte count in Adults = 25 - 85 x10⁹/ L

Laboratory Site

RIE

51 Little France Crescent
Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA

Telephone: 0131 536 1000

SJH

Howden Road West
Howden
Livingston
West Lothian
EH54 6PP

Telephone: 01506 523000

WGH

Crewe Road South
Edinburgh
EH4 2XU

Telephone: 0131 537 1000

Transport arrangements

Specimen must be transported within a plastic sealable bag or other suitable container. Sample MUST be recieved as soon as possible, as reticulocytes continue to mature within the sample tube.

Sample storage arrangements

Room temperature

How to request

Request form or Trak

Availability

Monday - Friday: routine service 09:00 - 17:00. Saturday - Sunday: routine service 09:00 - 13:00

Please contact the laboratory for urgent samples outside of routine hours.

Anticipated turnaround

1 day

What happens if the result is positive or abnormal

The laboratory will telephone abnormal results where it appears that these are likely to be clinically significant. Please provide an appropriate telephone or bleep number.

General additional information

A Full Blood Count is always performed alongside the Reticulocyte count.

Reticulocyte count is often referred to as 'retic count'.

Blood transfusion may make interpretation unreliable.