Reticulocyte identification

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Red Cell Disorders: Peripheral Blood Clues to Nonneoplastic Conditions (retired 12/30/2011). Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

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Reticulocyte identification

  • Reticulocytes are red blood cells prematurely released from the bone marrow.
  • On a Wright-Giemsa stained blood smear, they appear as polychromatic macrocytes. Their presence in the peripheral blood may suggest hemolysis or bleeding.
  • Their presence is expressed as a percentage of the red cell count: newly born= 3-7%; up to one week of age=1-3%; >one week =0.3-1.8%.
  • Automated or manual methods may be used to enumerate reticulocytes.
  • In clinical context, retics must be separated from debris, precipated stain, Pappenheimer bodies, Howell-Jolly bodies, and Heinz bodies.