RETICULOCYTE COUNT - blood Specimen: 5 mL blood
in EDTA tube.
Method: Fresh blood incubated with:
(i)
supravital stain for ribosomal RNA and examined by microscopy; or
(ii)
fluorescent dye taken up by RNA and cells counted by flow cytometry
Some blood counters have reticulocyte modules to perform semi-automated or automated
reticulocyte counts. Principle of test depends on the specific instrument.
The absolute reticulocyte count is calculated from the reticulocyte percentage and
the red cell count.
Reference Interval:
Infant - term, cord blood:
2-6%
(microscopy)
Child, adult:
0.2-2.0% (10-100 x 109/L)
(microscopy)
0.7-3.2% (30-140 x 109/L)
(flow cytometry)
Application: Indicated in the assessment of anaemia when bone marrow failure
suspected; apparent inadequate marrow response to haematinic therapy; assessment
of recovery after myelosuppression; monitoring haemolytic anaemia.
Interpretation: Reticulocyte count reflects marrow erythropoietic activity and
corresponds to the finding of polychromasia on a blood film. A low reticulocyte count
in the presence of anaemia indicates bone marrow failure or haematinic deficiency.
Reference: Chin Yee I. Clin Lab Haematol 1991; 13: 177-188.
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