###1: Red Blood Cells, Qualitative, by Gram Stain
###3: This is a microscopic examination of a Gram-stained specimen to determine whether red blood cells are present. The abbreviated order does not clearly identify the specimen type.
["###4: The result reports the presence of red blood cells and must be interpreted according to the specimen source and collection circumstances."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72162-1
- Short code
- RBC Spec Ql Gram Stn
- Synonyms
- RBC Spec Ql Gram Stn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- gram-stain
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
###5: What This Test Measures
###6: The test checks a laboratory preparation for red blood cells rather than providing the detailed red blood cell count, indices, or morphology reported by a complete blood count.
###7: How the Test Is Performed
###8: A laboratory professional prepares and stains a specimen, then examines it under a microscope. The report is generally qualitative, indicating whether red blood cells were observed.
###9: Why the Specimen Matters
###10: Red blood cells are normally expected in blood but are not normally present in many other specimens. The healthcare provider must interpret an abnormal finding in light of the specimen source and collection process.
###11: Possible Reasons for an Unexpected Result
###11: Red blood cells in a specimen that normally should not contain them may reflect bleeding, contamination during collection, or another collection-related issue. Inflammation, infection, or recent medical procedures may also affect the context.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
###2: Qualitative RBC Gram Stain
Frequently asked questions
###14: Is this the same as a complete blood cell count?
###16: Does a Gram stain diagnose a bacterial infection?
###18: Why might red blood cells be found unexpectedly?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy