What is a reticulocyte count?
A reticulocyte count is used to determine the number and/or percentage of reticulocytes in the blood to help evaluate conditions that affect red blood cells (RBCs), such as anemia or bone marrow disorders. Reticulocytes are newly produced, relatively immature red blood cells.
How long does a reticulocyte count take?
After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
What is the normal reticulocyte count?
A normal result for healthy adults who are not anemic is around 0.5% to 2.5%.
What is the significance of corrected reticulocyte count?
The reticulocyte production index (RPI), also called a corrected reticulocyte count (CRC), is a calculated value used in the diagnosis of anemia. This calculation is necessary because the raw reticulocyte count is misleading in anemic patients.
How to test for reticulocyte count in blood?
Take 2-3 drops of dye solution in a test tube. Add 2-4 drops of well-mixed blood sample and mix. Stopper the tube and incubate at 37 0 C for 10-15 minutes. After incubation, mix well and make a thin smear of stained blood.
How is the error in counting reticulocytes minimized?
Counting error is minimized if size of the microscopic field is reduced. This is achieved by using a Miller ocular disk inserted in the eyepiece; it divides the field into two squares (one nine times larger in size than the other).
What is the absolute reticulocyte count ( arc )?
The absolute reticulocyte count (ARC) is the actual number of reticulocytes in 1 L of whole blood. 3. Corrected Reticulocyte Count In specimens with a low hematocrit, the percentage of reticulocytes may be falsely elevated because whole blood contains fewer RBCs.
How is the number of reticulocytes expressed under the microscope?
A thin smear is prepared on a glass slide from the mixture and reticulocytes are counted under the microscope. Number of reticulocytes is expressed as a percentage of red cells.