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