Reticulocytaszám

Reticulocytaszám refers to the count of reticulocytes in a blood sample. Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells that are still developing in the bone marrow and are released into the bloodstream. They are larger than mature red blood cells and contain residual ribosomal RNA, which gives them a characteristic reticular or net-like appearance when stained with specific dyes. This RNA degrades over several days as the reticulocyte matures into an erythrocyte.

The reticulocyte count is a valuable diagnostic tool used to assess the bone marrow's ability to produce red blood cells. A normal reticulocyte count typically falls within a specific reference range, which can vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the individual's age.

An elevated reticulocyte count, often referred to as reticulocytosis, indicates that the bone marrow is actively producing new red blood cells at an increased rate. This can be a response to blood loss, hemolysis (the premature destruction of red blood cells), or iron deficiency anemia that is being treated. Conversely, a low reticulocyte count suggests that the bone marrow is not producing enough red blood cells, which can be seen in conditions such as aplastic anemia, certain chronic diseases, or bone marrow failure.

The reticulocyte count is usually performed as part of a complete blood count (CBC) and is crucial for differentiating the causes of anemia and monitoring the effectiveness of treatments aimed at stimulating red blood cell production.