Question

What is the reference range for reticulocyte percentage, corrected reticulocyte percentage, and RPI (Reticulocyte Production Index)?

A) Reticulocyte percentage: 2-5%; Corrected reticulocyte percentage: 0.8-2.0%; RPI: 1.0-2.0.

B) Reticulocyte percentage: 30-40%; Corrected reticulocyte percentage: 10-15%; RPI: 0.5-1.5.

C) Reticulocyte percentage: 12-15%; Corrected reticulocyte percentage: 4-7%; RPI: 2.0-3.0.

D) Reticulocyte percentage: 80-90%; Corrected reticulocyte percentage: 20-25%; RPI: 0.8-1.2.

Answer 1

The correct reference ranges for reticulocyte percentage, corrected reticulocyte percentage, and RPI are: Reticulocyte percentage 2-5%, Corrected reticulocyte percentage 0.8-2.0%, and RPI 1.0-2.0.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reference range for reticulocyte percentage is typically 0.5% to 2.5%. The corrected reticulocyte percentage (CRP) accounts for the degree of anemia and is calculated using both the reticulocyte percentage and the hematocrit. The normal CRP range is 0.5-2.5%, but it can be adjusted using a patient's hematocrit to get a more accurate representation of erythropoietic activity if the hematocrit is abnormal. The Reticulocyte Production Index (RPI) is used to assess if the bone marrow response to anemia is appropriate; the RPI adjusts the reticulocyte count by the hematocrit and a maturation correction factor based on hematocrit as well. An RPI of less than 2 indicates inadequate response to anemia, whereas a value above 3 suggests marrow hyperplasia or a regenerative response to anemia.

Considering the common ranges presented, the answer to the student's question would be A) Reticulocyte percentage: 2-5%; Corrected reticulocyte percentage: 0.8-2.0%; RPI: 1.0-2.0.