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

• CBC 
• Reticulocyte 

• Whole blood

• Preferred collection container: Lavender (4 mL K2 EDTA)
• Alternative collection container: Lavender (3 mL K2 EDTA)
• Micro EDTA for neonates

• 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.

• 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

• 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 

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

• 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

• One week

• Specimens are stored in the lab for 72 hours

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

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