Question

On a standard reticulocyte preparation with new methylene blue, there are 100 cells counted with blue-stained granulofilamentous material. The red blood cell count is 3.22 x 1012/L and the hematocrit is 30%. Calculate the absolute reticulocyte count.

Answer 1

0.322 × 10¹² /L

Explanation:

Data provided in the question:

Number of cells counted with blue-stained granulofilamentous material

i.e number of RET = 100

The red blood cells count = 3.22 × 10¹² /L

Hematocrit = 30%

Now,

RET% = [ [ Number of RET ] ÷ 1000 RBCs ] × 100%

= [ 100 ÷ 1000 ] × 100%

= 0.1 × 100%

= 10%

also,

Absolute reticulocyte count = ( %RET × RBC count ) ÷ 100

= [ 10 × 3.22 × 10¹² /L ] ÷ 100

= 0.322 × 10¹² /L