Did you know reticulocytes are detectors of anemia? A large mass of people have been subjected to anemic disorders. But before knowing anything else we must first learn what reticulocytes are. These are immature and non-nucleated red blood cells that are produced in the bone marrow. Reticulocytes are released into the peripheral blood, and then eventually mature into RBC within two days. The reticulocytes undergo multiple structural changes during this time as it transforms to mature RBC.
When the process begins in bone marrow, an erythroblast undergoes nuclear and chromatin condensation. In comparison to mature reticulocytes, the new cells have more RNA content than the other.
Clinical Significance of reticulocytes
A reticulocyte count or Retic Count measurement is an effective and helpful indicator for identifying anemias and the bone marrow response to anemic disorders. The varying count as higher or lower reticulocytes may indicate blood and bone marrow disorders.
Uses of Reticulocyte
The reticulocyte count is used to
- Diagnose Anemia
- Check bone marrow function after chemotherapy or transplantation.
Causes of Reticulocyte Deficiency
Diseases like Sideroblastic anemia, Iron deficiency anemia, beta-thalassemia, and Hypochromic Anemia can cause a decrease in reticulocyte count. There can be several other possible factors that might hinder the production of reticulocytes. Some of them are listed below.
Nutritional Deficiency
For DNA synthesis, nutrients like Vitamin B 12 and folate are needed in the bone marrow, and a lack of them will cause a decrease in reticulocyte production.
Myelodysplastic Syndromes
If the bone marrow is somehow damaged it will affect the erythropoietic cell line, and thus the bone marrow cannot produce reticulocytes.
Aplastic
When the bone marrow cannot make enough blood cells, it leads to anemia.
How Reticulocyte Count Increases
Hemolytic Anemias– In hemolytic anemia, the red blood cells are destroyed faster before the bone marrow can replace them. The bone marrow is however still functional and it responds to anemia by increasing the synthesis of reticulocyte count.
Blood Loss– Blood loss results in an increase in the reticulocyte count.
There are two methods for reticulocyte counting- Manual and Automated
Manual count by Light Microscopy
For the simple reason of being low cost and easy functionality, reticulocyte counting by microscopy has been a standard method since 1940. This method helps in determining the number of reticulocytes in red blood cells.
By Automated Analyzer
The automated methods have proven to be an efficient way of labor cost savings compared to manual counting. The accuracy and precision of reticulocyte enumeration are also comparatively better. The automated hematology analyzer uses fluorescent or nonfluorescent dyes. These dyes bind to reticulocyte RNA and are then counted.
PSR Hemat-4 plus and FinoCount-5 PSR Hemat 4 Plus and Finova’s FinoCount-5 are Auto Hematology Analyzer with high precision and inbuilt quality testing. Their in-built features allow the easiest maintenance as they automatically unclog. These hematology analysers have breakthrough technology with efficient flagging for reliable blood cell analysis, including reticulocytes, WBC, and NRBC. The equipment provide data related to immature reticulocytes, which helps with the early diagnosis of anemia and to monitor bone marrow function.