retikulocitaszám

Reticulocitaszám refers to the count of reticulocytes in a blood sample. Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells, meaning they are recently released from the bone marrow into the bloodstream. They are characterized by the presence of residual ribosomal RNA, which gives them a reticular or net-like appearance when stained with specific dyes. This process of identifying reticulocytes is often performed using automated hematology analyzers or through manual microscopic examination.

A normal reticulocyte count is typically between 0.5% and 2.5% of the total red blood cell count. This count serves as an important indicator of bone marrow function. A high reticulocyte count, also known as reticulocytosis, suggests that the bone marrow is actively producing red blood cells, often in response to anemia or blood loss. The body is compensating for a deficiency by increasing red blood cell production. Conversely, a low reticulocyte count, or reticulocytopenia, can indicate that the bone marrow is not producing enough red blood cells. This may be due to bone marrow failure, certain deficiencies like iron or vitamin B12 deficiency, or chronic diseases affecting red blood cell production.

Therefore, the reticulocyte count is a valuable diagnostic tool used in conjunction with other blood tests to evaluate and diagnose various hematological conditions, monitor treatment effectiveness for anemias, and assess bone marrow response.