COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 128
Reticulocyte Count
Reticulocytes are young, immature red blood cells typically found
in small numbers in the bloodstream. For a more accurate
assessment, the reticulocyte count should be interpreted
alongside the total red blood cell count.
When supplementation for vitamin B-12, B-6, or folic acid anemia is
successful, a decreased reticulocyte count will increase.
When to run this test:
● To help in anemia differentiation.
● Measuring the effectiveness of supplementation in cofactor
anemia.
Range
Units (% of RBCs)
Conventional
0.5 - 2.0 %
Optimal /Functional
0.5 - 1 %
Alarm
>2%
Additional Resources:
Rupa Health CBC with Differentials
Evexia - CBC with Differential
Anemia Panel
Ferritin, serum iron, TIBC/UIBC, transferrin saturation, B12, folate.
Differentiating micro/macro/normocytic patterns.
Required Reading:
● Sodano: Chapter 10 (Anemia)
● Dr. Zachary: p.1033114 (Iron & Anemia)
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