The normal values of reticulocytes are categorized into two types, the normal reference value for newborns is 2.0%-6% and for adults is 0.5%-1.5%.
Reticulocytes are a stage in the development of erythrocytes, which are young cells after the denucleation of late juvenile erythrocytes, containing a small amount of ribonucleic acid RNA, and can become reticulated when stained with brilliant tar blue. The count of reticulocytes is an important indicator of the hematopoietic function of the bone marrow.
An increase in reticulocytes indicates that the bone marrow red lineage is proliferating, which is mostly seen in hemolytic anemia, megaloblastic anemia, acute blood loss, and hemolytic disease of the newborn; a decrease in reticulocytes indicates that the bone marrow hematopoietic function is diminished, which may be aplastic anemia, pure red blood cell aplastic anemia, and so on.
If abnormal reticulocytes are present, it is recommended to consult a doctor for further examination and treatment.