LABORATORY ANALYSIS NO.

13
RETICULOCYTE COUNT

Introduction:
Reticulocytes are nucleated red blood cells. These cells contain reticulum network which are RNA and
protophorphyrin. The degree of reticulocytosis is proportional to erythropoietic activity. Reticulocyte count above
normal may indicate an increased erythropoiesis while low counts may indicate defective erythropoiesis.

Learning Outcomes:
After performing this laboratory activity, the students will be able to:
1. identify and count correctly reticulocytes;
2. discuss the clinical application of reticulocyte count; and
3. list at least 2 conditions that may alter reticulocyte count and create a mechanism of avoiding
these.

Materials:
Binocular Microscope
pc. Blue tip capillary tube Glass
Slides
New Methylene Blue (fresh and filtered) 1%
Immersion Oil
Cell counter app

Procedure:

WET METHOD (New Methylene Blue Method)

1. Collect a venous EDTA sample.
2. Put 5 drops of blood sample in a test tube. Label the tube.
3. Dispense equal amount of new methylene blue into the tube containing the sample.
4. Mix the tube. Allow to stand for about 15 minutes.
5. Remix the tube and draw into a blue tip capillary tube the blood-stain mixture.
6. Prepare a blood smear. Air dry.
7. Examine the smear under Oil Immersion Objective.
8. Count 1000 RBC (250 per filed) and simultaneously count the reticulocyte in these areas.
9. Computation:

%Retic = No of retic counted X 100

No of RBC counted (1000)

Reference Range: 0.5 to 1.5% (20,000 to 60,000/mm3)