An erythroblast that has lost it's nucleus is a reticulocyte, they account for 80% of RBC's in circulation. That is what it is measuring, the amount of these cells in circulation. higher count= reticulocytosis lower count= Anemia
Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells. The reticulocyte count is most useful if you have anemia (low red blood cell count). A low reticulocyte count means your body is not making enough red blood cells in the first place. There may be a problem with your bone marrow. A high reticulocyte count means you are losing your red blood cells after you make them, maybe because of bleeding or red blood cells that break down too quickly.
In sickle cell patients, a normal reticulocyte count is typically elevated due to the body's response to chronic hemolysis. The normal range for reticulocyte count in sickle cell patients is usually higher than in individuals without the disease, often ranging from 3% to 6%.
Lavender (EDTA) tube is commonly used for reticulocyte count.
reticulocyte count
A reticulocyte count is a blood test that can measure how fast red blood cells are made by the bone marrow and released into the blood. It is given as a percentage of red blood cells that are reticulocytes.
usually performed when patients are evaluated for anemia and response to its treatment. It is sometimes called a retic count.
The reticulocyte increases in person with the smoking history.
A lavender/purple-top tube containing EDTA anticoagulant is typically used to draw blood for a reticulocyte count. It is important to follow the specific guidelines and instructions provided by the laboratory or healthcare provider.
Lavender top (EDTA) tube is typically used for drawing blood for a reticulocyte count. This tube is commonly used for hematology tests because it contains an anticoagulant (EDTA) which helps preserve the blood sample.
Lavender or purple-top tubes are commonly used for reticulocyte counts, as these tubes contain the anticoagulant EDTA which helps preserve cell integrity for accurate analysis.
The first step in a retic count is drawing the patient's blood sample. About 17 oz (5 ml) of blood is withdrawn from a vein into a vacuum tube.