Normally reticulocytes progress to erythrocytes over 1-2 days, with loss of intracytoplasmic RNA. In myelodysplasia the dysplastic erythropoiesis results in reticulocytes persisting in the circulation for a longer period of time, increasing the percentage of reticulocytes.
Patient selection: myelodysplasia
Features:
(1) increased percent of reticulocytes in the circulation on cresyl violet stain or by analyzer
(2) there is a population of reticulocytes that are smaller than normal with decreased amounts of RNA
(3) absence of hemolysis, blood loss, or other reason for a reticulocyte response
(4) the condition persists for months or years
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