Definition

1. Noun:
   • An immature red blood cell containing a network of filaments or granules: A reticulocyte is a young, developing red blood cell (erythrocyte) that has just been released from the bone marrow into the bloodstream. It is characterized by a residual network of ribosomal material (reticulum) that can be stained and viewed under a microscope. This stage occurs just before the cell matures into a fully functional red blood cell.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • A high reticulocyte count in a blood test indicates that the bone marrow is actively producing new red blood cells.
  • The presence of reticulocytes helps doctors assess the body's response to anemia or blood loss.

Advanced Usage

• "Reticulocyte count": A common laboratory measurement expressed as a percentage of total red blood cells or as an absolute number. It is a key indicator of bone marrow function.

  • The patient's reticulocyte count was elevated, confirming a diagnosis of hemolytic anemia.

• "Reticulocyte production index (RPI)": A calculated value that adjusts the reticulocyte count for the degree of anemia and the longer lifespan of reticulocytes in the blood when anemia is present, providing a more accurate assessment of marrow response.

  • The reticulocyte production index was more informative than the raw count in this severe case.

Variants and Related Words

• Reticulocytosis (n): An increase in the number of reticulocytes in the peripheral blood, above the normal range.
  • The observed reticulocytosis was a positive sign of bone marrow recovery.

Synonyms

• Immature erythrocyte: A technical synonym emphasizing the cell's developmental stage.
• Young red blood cell: A simpler, descriptive synonym.

Notes on Meaning

• The term is specific to hematology (the study of blood). Its meaning is precise and does not vary in common usage. The "reticulum" in its name refers to the mesh-like network of RNA remnants visible inside the cell with special staining.

Noun

1. an immature red blood cell containing a network of filaments or granules