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Haemolytic Screen
 
 

Reticulocytes

January 28th, 2018
 
 
 
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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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