Schistocyte Review
Fragmented RBCs
Test Codes
EPIC: LAB5159
Department
Hematology
Specimen Collection Criteria
Collect (preferred specimen): One 4.0 mL Lavender-top K2EDTA tube. (Minimum: 2.0 mL)
Also acceptable: One Lavender-top K2EDTA Microtainer®. (Minimum: 300 mcL)
Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation
Maintain specimens refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport. Room temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F) is acceptable for a maximum of 8 hours.
Preparation for Courier Transport
Transport: Whole blood or capillary blood, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 2.0 mL whole blood or 300 mcL capillary blood)
Rejection Criteria
- Specimens containing clots.
- Insufficient volume.
- Frozen specimens.
- Centrifuged specimens.
Storage
Specimen Stability for Testing:
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 8 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 72 hours
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable
Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Laboratory
Farmington Hills Hematology Laboratory
Grosse Pointe Hematology Laboratory
Royal Oak Hematology Laboratory
Troy Hematology Laboratory
Performed
Sunday – Saturday, 24 hours a day.
Results available within 24 hours.
Reference Range
Normal: Less than 1/hpf.
Test Methodology
Manual microscopy.
Interpretation
Normal: Less than 1/hpf.
Anything greater than 1/hpf implies an increased number of schistocytes present.
Clinical Utility
Fragmented RBCs (Schistocytes) are seen in severe burns, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), and other microangiopathic hemolytic anemias.
CPT Codes
85008
LOINC: 800-3
Contacts
Hematology/Coagulation Laboratory – FH
947-521-8243
Name: Hematology/Coagulation Laboratory – FH
Location:
Phone: 947-521-8243
Hematology/Urinalysis Laboratory – GP
313-473-1809
Name: Hematology/Urinalysis Laboratory – GP
Location:
Phone: 313-473-1809
Hematology Laboratory – RO
248-551-8080
Name: Hematology Laboratory – RO
Location:
Phone: 248-551-8080
Hematology/Coagulation Laboratory – TR
248-964-8040
Name: Hematology/Coagulation Laboratory – TR
Location:
Phone: 248-964-8040
Last Updated
8/23/2023
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