Reticulocyte Panel Mnemonic RTC PAN Synonym RET-He - Reticulocyte Hemoglobin - Immature Reticulocyte Fraction Includes Reticulocyte Count %, Reticulocyte Count Absolute, Immature Reticulocyte Fraction (IRF), Reticulocyte Hemoglobin (RET-He) Specimen Collection Requirements Collect Whole Blood, one 4.0 mL or 2.0 mL lavender (EDTA) top tube Handling Refrigerate (2-8°C) Do not under fill tube, collection tubes must be filled to a minimum of 1/2 of the maximum sample volume. Do not overfill tube, collection tubes must not be filled to more than the maximum sample volume. Preferred Volume 4.0 mL lavender (EDTA) top tube must contain between 2.0 - 4.0 mL whole blood. 2.0 mL lavender (EDTA) top tube must contain between 1.0 - 2.0 mL whole blood. Minimum Volume Whole Blood, lavender (EDTA) top tube must be filled to a minimum of 1/2 of the maximum sample volume • 4.0 mL tube must have 2.0 mL of blood minimum • 2.0 mL tube must have 1.0 mL of blood minimum Transport Refrigerate (2-8°C) Rejection Criteria Under filled or over filled tube, frozen, clotted or grossly hemolyzed samples, incorrect anticoagulant. Stability Ambient (20-25°C): 12 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours Testing Information Performed 7 days/week Reported 24 Hours Method Automated Cell Counter Reference Values Reference Values See Hematology Age Related Reference Ranges and Critical Values. CPT Codes 85046 Last Updated: Thursday, October 22, 2020 01:06:25 AM Client Services: 503-413-1234