RBC Band 3 Protein Reduction in Hereditary Spherocytosis
Test Mnemonic
RBCB3
CPT Codes
- 88184 - QTY (1)
Aliases
- Hereditary Spherocytosis, EMA, Band 3, Osmotic Fragility
Performing Laboratory
ARUP
Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 mL | Whole blood | EDTA (Lavender) | Refrigerated | Include a Wright stained slide |
Alternate Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 mL | Whole blood | Sodium or Lithium heparin (Green) | Refrigerated | Include a Wright stained slide |
Minimum Specimen Requirements
| Volume | Type | Container | Collect Temperature | Transport Temperature | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 mL |
Stability
| Environmental Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Ambient | 3 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |
Days Performed
Sun - Sat
Turnaround Time
2 - 4 days
Reference Range
Special Info
Specimens must be analyzed within 7 days of collection.
Clinical Info
Use to confirm diagnosis of hereditary spherocytosis when hemolytic anemia and spherocytes are present. This test can be used to confirm the suspected diagnosis of Hereditary Spherocytosis (HS). HS is a common inherited hemolytic anemia characterized by the presence of spherical erythrocytes (spherocytes). HS can be diagnosed based on family history and clinical features, along with clinical laboratory tests including peripheral smear examination, osmotic fragility (OF), ektacytometry or flow cytometry. Band 3 is the most abundant transmembrane protein found in the human RBC. Eosin-5-maleimide (EMA) dye binds to band 3 on intact RBCs and a reduction of fluorescence intensity is seen in hereditary spherocytosis. This test by flow cytometry has been reported to have a sensitivity of 93 percent for diagnosis of HS. Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia Type II, Southeast Asian Ovalocytosis and Hereditary Pyropoikilocytosis are rare disorders that may have a positive result in this test.