Final answer:
A lavender-top tube with EDTA is used for reticulocyte counts. Reticulocytes are stained and counted under a microscope after a blood draw, which is crucial in diagnosing and monitoring conditions like anemia.
Step-by-step explanation:
When drawing blood for a reticulocyte count, a lavender-top tube that contains EDTA as an anticoagulant is typically used.
The purpose of the reticulocyte count is to assess the number of young red blood cells (reticulocytes) in the blood, which can provide important information about bone marrow function.
After the blood is collected in the proper tube, the sample can be processed to stain the reticulocytes, which then allows for microscopic evaluation and counting.
Stained blood smears are an essential part of this process for visual inspection of cells under a microscope.
The use of stains like Wright-Giemsa helps differentiate the reticulocytes by staining them a bluish color due to residual RNA, which contrasts with the pinkish-red color of mature red blood cells.
Performing a reticulocyte count is an important diagnostic tool in evaluating the body's production of red blood cells, which can indicate conditions such as anemia or the effectiveness of treatment for conditions affecting red blood cell production.