Reticulocitaszám

The reticulocyte count, often referred to as reticulocytas number in Hungarian, is a laboratory test used to measure the percentage of young red blood cells, known as reticulocytes, in the peripheral blood. Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells that have recently been released from the bone marrow into the bloodstream. They play a crucial role in assessing the body's ability to produce new red blood cells, which is essential for maintaining adequate oxygen transport throughout the body.

This test is commonly performed to evaluate conditions affecting red blood cell production, such as anemia, blood loss, or bone marrow disorders. A reticulocyte count can help distinguish between different types of anemia, such as iron-deficiency anemia, which typically shows a low reticulocyte count due to insufficient red blood cell production, and hemolytic anemia, where reticulocytes may be elevated as the body compensates for increased red blood cell destruction.

The reticulocyte count is usually expressed as a percentage of total red blood cells or as an absolute reticulocyte count, which accounts for the total number of reticulocytes per unit volume of blood. The reference range for reticulocyte percentage can vary slightly depending on the laboratory, but it generally falls between 0.5% and 2.5% of total red blood cells. Absolute reticulocyte counts typically range from 25,000 to 80,000 per microliter of blood.

Factors such as recent blood transfusions, certain medications, or underlying health conditions can influence reticulocyte levels. For example, patients recovering from acute blood loss may exhibit a high reticulocyte count as the bone marrow ramps up production to replace lost red blood cells. Conversely, conditions like aplastic anemia or severe iron deficiency may result in a low reticulocyte count due to impaired bone marrow function.

The reticulocyte count is often combined with other blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) and serum iron levels, to provide a comprehensive assessment of red blood cell production and overall hematological health. Proper interpretation of reticulocyte counts requires clinical correlation with patient symptoms and additional diagnostic findings.