Reticulocyte Stain Datasheet

Recticulocytes (immature erythrocytes) are slightly larger than normal red cells, and by using a supravital staining technique basic dyes such as brilliant cresyl blue, are precipitated into a meshwork (called reticulum) within the cell. This meshwork appears deep blue against a relatively unstained background. The reticulum is considered to be remnants of basophilic ribonucleoprotein (normally found in the cytoplasm) and the more mature the cell the less reticulum found.