What is the corrected reticulocyte count for a patient with a reticulocyte count of 7% and an Hct of 20%?

To determine the corrected reticulocyte count, the formula used is:

Corrected Reticulocyte Count = Reticulocyte Count × (Patient's Hematocrit / Normal Hematocrit)

In this case, the patient's reticulocyte count is 7%, and the hematocrit (Hct) is 20%. The normal hematocrit level is typically approximately 45% for a healthy individual.

Using the values provided:

Corrected Reticulocyte Count = 7% × (20% / 45%)

First, calculate the fraction:

20% / 45% = 0.4444 (approximately)

Then, multiply this by the reticulocyte count:

Corrected Reticulocyte Count = 7% × 0.4444 ≈ 3.1%

This value, 3.1%, represents the adjusted reticulocyte count, taking into account the lower hematocrit level of the patient. The corrected reticulocyte count assists in determining the bone marrow response to anemia; a higher corrected count indicates a more robust erythropoietic response to the anemia.

Thus, the correct answer, 3.1%, accurately reflects the appropriate calculation based on the provided reticulocyte count and