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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

Last Updated

8/23/2023