Effect of Sample Storage at 2-8°C for 24 Hours on Reticulocyte Count Determined by Manual Method: Effect of Sample Storage on Reticulocyte Count

Abeeha Khalid; Masuma Ghazanfar; Ammara Mustafa; Robish Bashr; Hassan Abdal

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v6i6.2813

Authors

Abeeha Khalid Department of Pathology, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan
Masuma Ghazanfar Department of Pathology, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan
Ammara Mustafa Department of Pathology, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan
Robish Bashr Department of Pathology, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan
Hassan Abdal Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v6i6.2813

Keywords:

Reticulocyte Count, Sample Storage, Manual Method, Temperature Effect

Abstract

Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells that contain residual RNA and ribosomes but no nucleus. Reticulocytes count is a haematological test that assists in assessing bone marrow activity. It can be determined by manual and flow cytometric method. Reticulocytes mature in vitro within six hours of sample collection; hence the sample should be processed within this time frame for accurate results. Objective: To determine the difference in reticulocyte count between a fresh sample and a sample stored for 24 hours at 2-8°C by manual method. Methods: This quasi-experimental study included a total of 220 EDTA-anticoagulated blood samples submitted to the Hematology Department of Allama Iqbal Medical College/Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, from June 12, 2024, to December 18, 2024, for reticulocyte count analysis using non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Each sample was processed using brilliant cresyl blue stain, within one hour of collection and reported two times: within 6 hours of sample collection and after a period of 24 hours of storage. Results: The manual reticulocyte count showed a significant difference between freshly prepared slides and those stored for 24 hours. Mean reticulocyte count at 6 hours was 2.99 ± 0.09, while after 24 hours, it decreased to 2.41 ± 0.10, resulting in a mean difference of 0.58 ± 0.16. Conclusions: In regions where automated methods are not available, performing a reticulocyte count manually on a fresh sample can significantly contribute to improving healthcare quality. This simple yet essential test is crucial for diagnosing and managing various clinical conditions effectively.

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