Overview
Reticulocytes are non-nucleated immature red blood cells.
Normal Range
- Absolute reticulocyte count: 50 - 100 x 10⁹/L
- Reticulocyte percentage: 0.5 - 2.5%
Reticulocytosis
Significance
- Elevated reticulocytes are indicative of compensatory erythropoiesis due to haemolysis, recovery from anaemia or increased red blood cell requirement.
Causes of Reticulocytosis
- Haemolytic anaemia
- Haemorrhage (acute or chronic)
- Recovery post bone marrow suppression
- Late pregnancy
- High altitude
Reduced Reticulocytes
Examination of multiple fields may be required to diagnose a low reticulocyte count.
Significance
- Near absence of reticulocytes is caused by bone marrow suppression, e.g. due to aplastic anaemia or cytotoxic chemotherapy.
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