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| This blood smear is stained with a supravital stain, New Methylene Blue. This stain makes reticular material in red cells apparent as small purple granules. A reticulocyte count can be performed using this staining technique. One thousand red cells are counted and the percentage of reticulocytes is reported. For example: 1000 RBCs counted, 15 reticulocytes found, 15/1000 = 1.5/100 = 1.5% This smear indicates increased reticulocytes (0.5-1.5% is normal). There are 6 reticulocytes in approximately 25-26 total red cells. 6/25 = 24/100 = 24% reticulocytes |
