Back to Test Compendium

Complete Blood Count (CBC)/Reticulocytes – RGH-Pasqua/Saskatoon

Discipline

Hematology

Overview

Alias

All sites
  • CBC 
  • Reticulocyte 

Specimen Information

Specimen types accepted

All sites
  • Whole blood

Specimen collection container

All sites

Required volume

All sites
  • Optimal volume: 4 mL
  • Minimum volume: 1 mL
  • Pediatric volume: 0.5 mL
  • Capillary volume: 0.5 mL (minimum of 250 μL)
Note: Submitting the minimum volume makes it impossible to repeat the test or perform confirmatory/reflex testing. In some situations, a minimum volume may require a second collection.)

Transport and stability

All sites
  • CBC with automated differential, less than 48 hours
  • CBC only less than 48 hours
  • Manual differential, slide made within 6 hours
  • Reticulocyte
    • Manual reticulocyte preparations will be made within 24 hours
    • Can be run for up to 72 hours if stored in refrigerator (2-8°C)
Note:  Currently studies are being done to determine stability, Sysmex stability differs from DXH

Rejection criteria

All sites
  • Clotted specimen
  • Contaminated Specimen (drawn above an IV site)
  • Specimen greater than 24 hours old and less than 48 hours-Hemoglobin only will be provided
  • Specimen greater than 48 hours old
  • Insufficient volume
  • Reticulocyte (URBAN SITES ONLY)
    • Greater than 72 hours old 

Performance

Days/times performed

All sites
  • 24 hours a day 7 days a week
  • Stat CBCs available 

Maximum laboratory time

All sites
  • Stat and Urgent CBCs are available within one hour of receipt in the lab – (Saskatoon)
  • Urgent CBC are available within 90 mins of receipt in the lab – (Regina)
  • Routines CBCs are available within 6 hour of receipt in the lab
  • Critical values will be phoned to the most responsible physician on first occurrence
  •  Cord blood (RUH and RGH)
    • The platelet count is available upon request

Specimen retention time

RGH - Pasqua
  • One week

Saskatoon
  • Specimens are stored in the lab for 72 hours

Other information

RGH - Pasqua
  • Please order CBCK for post-dialysis or unknown dialysis and CBCP for pre- hemodialysis patients

All sites
  • If platelet clumping occurs repeatedly it is recommended to repeat the collection with the addition of a Na Citrate (blue top) tube

Last Updated: October 9, 2024