Synonyms

   Retic Count

Clinical Significance

   Reticulocyte is a cell just one stage prior to mature erythrocyte. A reticulocyte count is a blood test that measures the amount of these cells in the blood. The test is performed to evaluate anaemia and response to treatment. The test is done to determine if red blood cells are being created in the bone marrow at an appropriate rate. The number of reticulocytes in the blood is a sign of how quickly they are being produced and released by the bone marrow.

Specimen

   Whole blood 1ml or 3ml

Stability

   24 hours at 20 - 25 ˚C

   72 hours at 2 to 8 ˚C

   7 days at -20 ˚C

Reference Range

   Male : 0.4 – 1.0%

   Female : 0.4 – 1.0%

Interpretation

   Retic count is increased in:

       Hemolytic anemia

       Response to treatment of iron and Vit B12 and folic acid in anemia

       Recent haemorrhage

       Thalassemia

       Pregnancy

       Erythroblastosis fetalis

       HbC disease

       Leukaemia

       Hypoxia

   Retic count is decreased in:

        Decreased adrenocortical and anterior pituitary activity

       Aplastic anemia

       Cirrhosis

       Megaloblastic anemia

       Exposure to radiation

       Anemia of chronic disease

       Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)

Limitation

   Abnormal test result doesn't always mean anemia or other health problems. In transfused patients, reticulocytes may decrease on a dilutional basis. Reticulocyte counts are often higher during pregnancy due to increase in erythropoietic activity. Also temporary increase in retic count is encountered in recent move to a location with a high altitude. The count should return to normal once the body adjusts to the lower oxygen levels that happen in higher altitude environments.