Inclusion Body - RBC

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General Information

Lab Name
Inclusion Body _ RBC
Lab Code
INCBG
Epic Ordering
Inclusion Body, RBC
Description

The inclusion body test is a screen for alpha thalassemia. Decreased production of alpha-globin chains in alpha thalassemia leads to an excess of beta-globin chains, which form tetramers known as HbH. Whole blood is enriched for younger red blood cells by centrifugation. Next these cells are incubated with the supravital brilliant cresyl blue stain, which by a redox reaction causes precipitation of HbH, and slides are examined microscopically. Test is best interpreted in conjunction with other testing in the Thalassemia Reflexive Panel, red cell indices, patient demographics, iron status.

Synonyms
BCB Prep
Components

Interpretation

Method

Manual

Reference Range
See individual components
Ref. Range Notes

Negative

Guidelines

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type
Blood
Collection

3 mL blood in LAVENDER HEMOGARD tube

Pediatric Draw: 3 LAVENDER TOP MICROTAINERS

Handling Instructions
Quantity
requested: 3 mL whole blood
minimum: 1.5 mL whole blood

Processing

Processing

Refrigerate whole blood

Stability: EDTA: Refrigerated, 7 days. Ambient, 2 days

Unacceptable: Other anticoagulants, Frozen specimen.

Performance

LIS Dept Code
Red Cell Disorders (RCD)
Performing Location(s)
HMC Red Cell Disorders
206-520-4600

325 9th Ave, Rm # GWH-47, Seattle, WA 98104-2420

Frequency
Monday-Friday
Available STAT?
No

Billing & Coding

CPT codes
83068
LOINC
49121-7
Interfaced Order Code
UOW3483