Remember that Reticulocyte Count is not Accurate After Blood Transfusion



Remember that Reticulocyte Count is not Accurate After Blood Transfusion


Anthony Slonim MD, DrPH



The presence of both an adequate number of erythrocytes and circulating blood volume is essential for the delivery of oxygen and substrates to the cells in the body.An inadequate number of erythrocytes results in anemia and compromises oxygen delivery by reducing the oxygen content of the blood. Oxygen content is comprised of two subcomponents. The contribution of oxygen bound to hemoglobin represents a considerably larger component of the oxygen delivery than the dissolved component, which highlights the relative importance of hemoglobin to overall oxygen delivery. The numerical equation for this relationship is

O2 = (hbg × % sat × 1.32) + (PaO2 × 0.0032)


Watch Out For

There are a number of types and causes of anemia that affect intensive care unit (ICU) patients, and the initial workup for this condition is important in correcting the underlying dysfunction. For example, the ICU patient may present with acute blood loss from a bleeding duodenal ulcer or diverticulosis. In this case, the administration of packed red blood cell transfusions and the treatment of the underlying cause are of importance. If, for example, the patient had a malignancy such as lymphoma, the anemia may result from an overcrowded marrow and insufficient erythrocyte production. Understanding the context of the anemia will not only allow for appropriate therapy and the correction of any underlying oxygen deficits, but will also provide an opportunity to appropriately treat the underlying condition.

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Jul 1, 2016 | Posted by in ANESTHESIA | Comments Off on Remember that Reticulocyte Count is not Accurate After Blood Transfusion

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