Reticulocyte Count

Description: 
Reticulocytes are immature red cells found in peripheral blood and are used in the investigation of anaemia. Reticulocyte counts are performed simultaneously with the full blood count when requested, or can be added-on.
Due to a change in analytical platform, this test is not currently included within the laboratory's UKAS scope of accreditation to ISO15189:2012.
Reference range: 

See Haematology Reference ranges at: Haematology Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital

Synonyms or keywords: 
Retic count; Retics
Units: 
x10^9/L
Department: 
Blood Sciences Department
Location: 
Guy's Hospital
St Thomas' Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
Peripheral whole blood and Body fluid samples collected into K2EDTA (Di-potassium EDTA) or K3EDTA (Tri-potassium EDTA) anti-coagulated samples. Minimum volume 1mL; Minimum volume for paediatric tubes - 500uL
Turnaround time: 
Routine: 1 day; Urgent: Contact the Laboratory.
Special sample instructions: 

For patients with known Cold Agglutinins: Keep sample at 37°C from collection to processing.

Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
Keep at room temperature; Do not expose to extreme temperatures; Sample stability: samples must arrive to the laboratory and processed as soon as possible after collection, within 24h post collection. For patients with known Cold Agglutinins: Keep sample at 37°C from collection to processing.
Contacts:
Blood Sciences Department-Guy's And St Thomas' Hospital
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Contact: 020 7188 9247

Guy's Hospital
Southwark Wing - 4th Floor
Great Maze Pond
London SE1 9RT
Contact: 020 7188 4781
Haematology Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Clinical Advisory Service
Routine hours: bleep 1358
Paediatrics Routine hours: bleep 1621

Out of hours, weekend and bank holidays: 17:00-9:00 bleep 0294
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Haematology Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital

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Last updated: 05/10/2023