Reticulocyte value – What does the lab result show?

The reticulocytes are the young, still undeveloped forms of red blood cells that no longer contain a nucleus. They are typically found in low quantities in the bloodstream, as primarily mature red blood cells enter circulation from the bone marrow. These cells play an important role in the body’s oxygen supply, so the number and proportion of reticulocytes in the blood provide important information about bone marrow function and the efficiency of red blood cell production. Blood tests determine the quantity and proportion of reticulocytes, which helps doctors in establishing a diagnosis.

Normal Reticulocyte Count

The normal value for reticulocyte count is between 0.8-2.2%, as well as between 40-97 G/l. These values are important because deviations may necessitate further examinations to uncover potential health issues. An elevated reticulocyte count is often associated with increased destruction or loss of red blood cells, indicating the bone marrow’s adaptation. If the bone marrow cannot keep up with the loss of red blood cells, the proportion of reticulocytes in the blood increases, which is part of the body’s compensatory mechanisms.

Causes of Increased Reticulocyte Count

An increase in reticulocyte count generally occurs when the rate of red blood cell destruction exceeds the new formation by the bone marrow. Such situations can arise from sudden blood loss due to accidents or bleeding gastrointestinal ulcers. Additionally, slow but continuous blood loss can lead to similar results, such as in cases of gastrointestinal tumors.

Diseases that cause the breakdown of red blood cells can also contribute to an increase in reticulocyte count. These include hereditary disorders that involve the occurrence of abnormal red blood cells, which are prone to increased destruction. Non-hereditary disorders, such as complications from blood transfusions or problems during pregnancy, can also lead to increased destruction of red blood cells. Furthermore, certain medications may contribute to the loss of red blood cells.

An increase in reticulocyte count can also be observed in certain diseases where increased production of red blood cells is not necessarily warranted due to increased loss. For example, hemolytic anemia or polycythemia vera are conditions where the production of red blood cells and reticulocytes is increased. In such cases, the rise in reticulocyte count may also indicate the effectiveness of treatment.

Low Reticulocyte Count and Its Causes

A low reticulocyte count is associated with dysfunctions in bone marrow activity. Certain diseases, such as leukemia or bone marrow failure, can hinder the production of red blood cells, resulting in a low reticulocyte count. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments used for cancer can also damage the bone marrow, thereby reducing the number of red blood cells and reticulocytes.

A lack of proper nutrition can also play a role in low reticulocyte counts. Vitamins, such as B12 and folic acid, are essential for red blood cell production. A deficiency in these nutrients can lead to disruption in red blood cell production, thus decreasing the reticulocyte count. Problems with nutrient absorption can also contribute to reduced red blood cell production.

The hormone erythropoietin, produced by the kidneys, plays a key role in red blood cell formation. If the production or effect of this hormone is inadequate, red blood cell production, and thus the number of reticulocytes, will remain low. Therefore, a low reticulocyte count may indicate insufficient bone marrow function, which may require further medical intervention.