Intermediate
Technical
IVT
reticulocyte count
Pronunciation: reh-TIK-you-low-site count
A measure of immature red blood cells, indicating bone marrow's red cell production activity.
Full Definition
The reticulocyte count quantifies immature red blood cells that still contain residual RNA, representing the bone marrow's erythropoietic activity over the preceding few days. Normal values range from 0.5-2.5% of total red blood cells. In hematologic malignancies, this count helps assess bone marrow function, response to treatment, and the degree of hemolysis. An elevated count may indicate hemolysis or recovery from anemia, while a low count suggests bone marrow suppression or infiltration.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as 'retic count' in informal clinical communication.
In Context
- "The reticulocyte count of 8% confirmed active hemolysis in this CLL patient." — Laboratory review
- "A low reticulocyte count despite anemia suggested bone marrow involvement." — Clinical assessment
Also known as
retic count
Don't confuse with
red blood cell count
hematocrit