In the presence of some anemias, the body increases production of
red blood cells (RBCs), and sends these cells into the bloodstream
before they are mature. These slightly immature cells are called
reticulocytes, and are characterized by a network of filaments and
granules. Reticulocytes normally make up 1% of the total RBC count,
but may exceed levels of 4% when compensating for anemia.
Review Date: 02/09/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of
General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington
School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical
Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
