Question

Describe the calculations and applications of reticulicyte count.

Answer 1

Reticulocyte count is the number of reticulocytes that are produced by the bone marrow and released into the blood. It is 0.5% to 2.5% in adults and 2-6% in infants.

The absolute reticulocyte count is the number of reticulocytes in a volume of blood.

Corrected reticulocyte percentage = reticulocyte percentage x [actual hematocrit/normal hematocrit

Reticulocyte index = corrected reticulocyte percentage/maturation time in peripheral blood in days

Reticulocyte count application:

1. Anemia

2. Check Response to vit b12 therapy, iron therapy

3. Assess bone marrow recovery after chemotherapy or radiation therapy or bone marrow transplant