Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells (RBCs) produced in the bone marrow and released into the peripheral blood where they mature into RBCs within 1-2 days. An increase or decrease in reticulocyte count can indicate erythropoiesis (RBC production) activity or failure.
MCV – Mean Corpuscular (cell) Volume. An estimate of the average red blood cell size. It may be elevated (“macrocytic”) due to nutrient deficiencies (Vit B12, folate, Vit C), alcohol consumption, and thiamine deficiency. It may be decreased (“microcytic”) due to iron deficiency, and nutrient deficiencies (Vit B6, copper, zinc, Vit A, Vit C).
A measurement of the variation in red blood cell size. Typically increased due to nutrient deficiency-related anaemias (iron, Vit A, copper, zinc, Vit B6).
