Question

Which of the following conditions would lead to an increased reticulocyte count?

Answer 1

Reticulocytes are the red blood cells which are not yet matured. This red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and are released into the blood stream. It takes 2 days for the blood cells to become matured. Red blood cells are very important as they contain the hemoglobin cells which helps to bind with the oxygen cells and carry oxygen through the blood to all the parts of the body. Reticulocyte count is the count of the immature Red blood cells in the blood.

The following conditions leads to Increased reticulocyte count.

• Hemolytic Anemia: This is the disease condition in which the immature hemolysis of the red blood cells.
• Excessive blood loss can also increase the Reticulocyte count.
• High altitude raises reticulocyte count to help the body to cope with the lower oxygen level.
• Presence of a tumor that causes erythropoietin. Erythropoietin is the hormone which is released by the kidneys that increases the rate of the production of red cells in response to the decrease level of oxygen in the tissues.
• Polycythemia Vera: This is the condition in which the bone marrow makes too many red blood cells. Health concern related to the Polycythemia Vera is the blood becomes thicker as a result of the increased red blood cells.