Reticulocyte Count

[Alldayeveryday]

Has anyone had this tested before diagnosis for potential PV?

[hunter5582]

A reticulocyte count measures the number of immature red blood cells (reticulocytes). This test is sometimes part of a CBC or may be ordered separately. A high reticulocyte count may indicate an overproduction of RBCs, as is found in PV.

[Hereforalongtime in reply to hunter5582]

I had this tested & it was high for me

[EPguy]

I got this test recently well after my Dx, see image, prompted by my adverse vaccine reaction. One criteria was at the bottom end.

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Some new info to me on this:

"Historically, reticulocyte counts were only considered on patients where anemia was suspected, as they assist in classifying the anemia as regenerative or nonregenerative. (I believe this is a non-MPN condition) However, recent data suggests that the benefits of running reticulocytes are much broader"

"Reticulocytosis (increased RETICs) without anemia (as in some MPNs) can be a key indicator that the bone marrow is responding to a need for increased red blood cell production." This matches Hunter's note. But here "need" is a relative term, the mutation creates a fake need.

There are two types of retic measured:

"While RETICs measure the quantity of new RBCs, RETIC-HGB reflects the quality—generally related to the amount of iron available during the formation of these cells."

Mine has both types as seen here. One measure was at the low limit, my Dr had no worries. This report indicates low is bad.

aaha.org/publications/newst...

[Alldayeveryday in reply to EPguy]

Thanks EP guy, so I’d assume when testing before any treatment… one would assume it’d be elevated if you have the condition

[EPguy in reply to Alldayeveryday]

This page has HCT and Retic % as separate inputs for a "Reticulocyte Production Index". Implication is these are independent from each other. ie a high HCT as in pre treatment PV would not require high Retic fraction. I don't find a connection elsewhere either. Doesn't mean there isn't one.

I do find that interpreting Retic is complex, but one would expect a hematologist should understand it well. I'm not sure why my vaccine and IFN trouble triggered my Dr to order it.

merckmanuals.com/profession...

[Alldayeveryday in reply to EPguy]

testing.com/tests/reticuloc...

Interesting although I’ve seen some people have this tested & some not. This explains that if you don’t have anemia, a high Reticulocyte count can be seen in Polycythemia Vera