The determination of the quantity of immature red blood cells, presented as an absolute number, is a hematological assessment. This evaluation involves identifying and quantifying reticulocytes, which are newly released erythrocytes that still contain ribosomal RNA. The result is typically expressed as the number of reticulocytes per unit volume of blood, for example, cells per microliter.
This measurement provides valuable insight into the bone marrow’s ability to produce red blood cells. It is a crucial indicator in diagnosing and monitoring various hematological conditions, including anemia, response to treatment for anemia, and bone marrow disorders. Historically, manual methods were used, but automated analyzers now offer greater speed and precision in determining this count. Its introduction has advanced clinical understanding in response to anemic states.
