Practical Blood Physiology Lab: Reticulocyte Count

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Questions and Answers

What is a common use of a reticulocyte count test?

To measure glucose levels in the blood

To evaluate kidney filtration rate

To assess liver enzyme levels

To monitor treatment with radiation or chemotherapy (correct)

What might a decrease in reticulocyte count indicate?

Reticulocytosis

Increased bleeding

Pernicious anemia (correct)

Hemolytic anemia

What is the significance of reticulocytosis?

Indicates new or ongoing bleeding (correct)

Indicates iron deficiency

Decrease in red blood cell production

Indicates liver failure

Which factor can lead to an increase in reticulocyte counts?

Pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

What does the calculation for absolute reticulocyte count involve?

RBC count multiplied by reticulocyte count percent Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is associated with anemia that may warrant a reticulocyte count test?

Dizziness Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is NOT typically associated with high reticulocyte counts?

Chronic kidney disease Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about reticulocyte counts is false?

Reticulocyte count tests are irrelevant during pregnancy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of reticulocytes in blood physiology?

To synthesize hemoglobin Signup and view all the answers

Which stain is commonly used to identify reticulocytes?

New methylene blue Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of reticulocytes normally constitutes peripheral blood erythrocytes in a nonanemic adult?

0.5–2.0% Signup and view all the answers

What is the average size range of a reticulocyte?

7–10 mc Signup and view all the answers

Which anemia type is associated with an increased reticulocyte count?

Hemolytic anemia Signup and view all the answers

What component remains in reticulocytes that enables them to be stained and quantified?

Cytosolic mRNA Signup and view all the answers

What is typically used as a reagent to perform reticulocyte counts?

1% new methylene blue in citrate/saline Signup and view all the answers

During which developmental stage is most of a reticulocyte's hemoglobin produced?

Normoblast stage Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Practical Blood Physiology Lab (1)

Course: 2nd year
Academic Year: 2024-2025
Lecturer: Hematologist Hussein R. Alasady
Topic: Reticulocyte Count

Reticulocyte Count

Reticulocytes contain residual RNA and mitochondria, giving them a bluish tint under Romanowsky stains.
About 80% of hemoglobin is produced during the normoblast stage, and the remaining 20% during the reticulocyte stage.
Reticulocytes are slightly larger (7-10 µm) than mature erythrocytes.
They are identified by staining with supravital stains (e.g., new methylene blue, brilliant cresyl blue) which cause RNA and mitochondria precipitation.
Normal range for reticulocytes in a non-anemic adult is 0.5-2.0% (absolute concentration 25-75 x 10⁹/L) of peripheral blood erythrocytes.

Why Reticulocyte Count?

To assess erythropoiesis (red blood cell production).
To monitor treatments like radiation or chemotherapy.
To monitor bone marrow transplants.
To investigate anemia symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, headache, dizziness, arrhythmia) in patients.
Sometimes newborns are tested for hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).

Clinical Significance - Increased Reticulocytes

Hemolytic anemia
Hemorrhage (new or ongoing bleeding)
Hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN)

Clinical Significance - Decreased Reticulocytes

Iron deficiency anemia
Pernicious anemia
Aplastic anemia
Bone marrow failure
Kidney disease
Cirrhosis

Procedure for Reticulocyte Count

Mix three drops of reagent and blood in a tube.
Incubate for 15 minutes at room temperature and remix.
Prepare two wedge blood smears on glass slides and air-dry.
Examine the smears microscopically under an oil immersion lens. This is to identify reticulocytes as pale blue cells, which contain a dark blue, reticular (net-like) or granular material. Normal RBCs stain pale blue or blue-green.
Count at least 10 fields for accurate results.

Calculating Absolute Reticulocyte Count

Absolute Reticulocytes (x 10⁹/L) = RBC count (x 10¹²/L) * Retic count (%)

Other Factors Affecting Reticulocyte Count

Pregnancy: Counts may be higher.
High Altitude: Counts may be temporarily higher until the body adjusts.
Medication: Some drugs can increase or decrease reticulocyte counts.

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Description

This quiz encompasses the topic of Reticulocyte Count in a 2nd year Practical Blood Physiology Lab. It covers the characteristics of reticulocytes, their role in hemoglobin production, and the importance of assessing erythropoiesis in clinical settings. Test your knowledge on staining techniques and the normal ranges for reticulocyte counts.