Inclusion Body - RBC
General Information
Lab Name
Inclusion Body _ RBC
Lab Code
INCBG
Epic Name
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
| Code | Name |
|---|---|
| INCB | Inclusion Body _ RBC |
| INCBM | Inclusion Body _ RBC Method |
Interpretation
Method
Manual
Reference Range
See individual components
Ref. Range Notes
Negative
Guidelines
Ordering & Collection
Specimen Type
Collection
3 mL blood in LAVENDER HEMOGARD tube
Pediatric Draw: 3 LAVENDER TOP MICROTAINERS
Quantity
requested: 3 mL whole blood
minimum: 1.5 mL whole blood
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