title: Recovery of autologous reticulocytes by microhematocrit cell separation.
abstract: Reticulocytes can be separated from more mature red blood cells based on differences in density. A method for obtaining autologous reticulocytes in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) whole blood samples containing both autologous and transfused cells uses a microhematocrit centrifuge. The less dense reticulocytes harvested from the top 5 mm of microhematocrit tubes can be used to determine the patient's phenotype or assess whether a transfusion reaction is taking place. This method can be performed using equipment, reagents, and supplies readily available in most laboratories.
authors.affiliation: Manager, Immunohematology Reference Laboratory, American Red Cross, Tennessee Valley Region, 2201 Charlotte Ave., Nashville, TN 37203.
authors.forename: Christy W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Hall
mesh_terms: D002469:Cell Separation / Q000379:methods*; D004492:Edetic Acid; D006400:Hematocrit / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D012156:Reticulocytes / Q000166:cytology*
chemical_list: D004492:Edetic Acid