Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
The complete blood count (CBC) is a routine blood test that measures the different types of cells in the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. One component of the CBC is the reticulocyte count, which measures the number of reticulocytes in the bloodstream. Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells that have been produced by the bone marrow and are in the process of maturing into fully functional red blood cells.
An elevated reticulocyte count is defined as a higher-than-normal number of reticulocytes in the bloodstream. This can occur in a variety of medical conditions, and the specific condition that is associated with an elevated reticulocyte count will depend on the underlying cause.
Aplastic anemia, on the other hand, is a condition in which the bone marrow fails to produce enough new blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This leads to a decrease in the number of these cells in the bloodstream, and can result in a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, and increased risk of infection. In aplastic anemia, the bone marrow does not make precursors of any of the formed elements, including reticulocytes, so an elevated reticulocyte count would not be seen in this condition.
In conclusion, an elevated reticulocyte count is LEAST consistent with Aplastic anemia because Aplastic anemia results in a decreased number of all blood cells, including reticulocytes, whereas an elevated reticulocyte count indicates increased production or a greater rate of production of red blood cells by the bone marrow.