Cellular Regulation: Anemia

Blood Components

• Erythrocytes (Red Blood Cells):
    - Immature: Reticulocytes

• Leukocytes (White Blood Cells):
    - Immature: Blasts

• Thrombocytes (Platelets):
    - Immature: Immature platelet fraction

Normal Reticulocyte Count

• Count Range: 25,000 to 75,000

• Percentage: Normally < 2% of circulating erythrocytes

• Clinical Significance: Elevated counts may indicate excessive red cell destruction or hemorrhage

Blood Function Indicators

• Total RBC Hemoglobin:
    - Definition: Protein carried by RBCs that facilitates oxygen transport

• Hematocrit:
    - Definition: Percent of total blood that is red blood cell volume
    - Clinical Importance: These three values determine the body’s capacity to carry oxygen and the adequacy of functional RBCs