Aclinical laboratory professional performs a manual reticulocyte count using the miller disk and observes 83 reticulocytes (square a) in 214 erythrocytes (square b). which of the following conditions is associated with this reticulocyte count?
(a) megaloblastic anemia
(b) beta thalassemia minor
(c) hereditary spherocytosis
(d) diamond-blackfan anemia

A clinical laboratory professional performs a manual reticulocyte count using the Miller disk and observes 83 reticulocytes (square A) in 214 erythrocytes (square B). Which of the following conditions is associated with this reticulocyte count?

(A) Megaloblastic anemia

(B) Beta thalassemia minor

(C) Hereditary spherocytosis

(D) Diamond-Blackfan anemia

Explanation:

Reticulocytes are red blood cells that have not reached full maturity. They are found in high levels in the blood plasma because of some anemias, when the body increases the production of red blood cells and sends them to the bloodstream before they are mature, usually representing 0.5-1.5% of the count of red blood cells, but may exceed 4% when they compensate for anemia.  Megaloblastic anemia is a problem in which there are not enough red blood cells or hemoglobin.

The answer is: (A) megaloblastic anemia.