What is the formula for a corrected reticulocyte count?


Quick Answer

The formula for calculating a corrected reticulocyte count is RI = reticulocyte count (percent) x (measured hematocrit/normal hematocrit), where "RI" denotes a reticulocyte index, which is another name for a corrected reticulocyte count. This computation is typically done to obtain a more reliable value to accurately evaluate the bone marrow function of certain patients, as noted by Lab Tests Online.

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Full Answer

Red blood cells, or erythrocytes, are one of the major components of blood. After being produced in the bone marrow, premature red blood cells called reticulocytes enter the bloodstream before fully developing into mature cells. To assess whether the bone marrow is generating an adequate number of erythrocytes, a reticulocyte count is performed. This value is typically given as a percentage, although it can be measured as an absolute reticulocyte count. The result of this blood test provides a good indication about the efficiency of the bone marrow. The normal range of reticulocyte percentage in healthy adults is between 0.5 percent and 1.5 percent, as stated by the National Institutes of Health's MedlinePlus.

There are instances when a mere reticulocyte count is insufficient to fully diagnose the condition of a patient, such as those with anemia. When this occurs, the reticulocyte percentage is corrected by taking into account a patient's hematocrit count. This value pertains to the proportion of the total number of red blood cells to the total volume of blood. The typical range for healthy adult men is 38.8 to 50 percent, while the normal range for adult women is 34.9 to 44.5 percent, according to Healthline. The corrected reticulocyte value is then computed by dividing the patient's hematocrit count by the appropriate normal range and then multiplying the result by the reticulocyte percentage.

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