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Related Concept Videos

Erythropoiesis01:14

Erythropoiesis

Red blood cells  (RBCs) transport oxygen to all body tissues. These cells survive only for 120 days and then need to be replenished. Erythropoiesis is the process of RBC production. In healthy individuals, erythropoiesis ensures all tissues are amply supplied with oxygen. In addition, blood loss due to injury leads to a drop in the physiological oxygen level that will cause erythropoiesis. Any defect in erythropoiesis leads to several physiological disorders, including thalassemia, anemia, and...
Structure and Function of Erythrocytes01:29

Structure and Function of Erythrocytes

There are between 4.2 and 6 million erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells, in every microliter of blood. These cells are small, flattened biconcave discs with centers that are depressed.
The erythrocyte plasma membrane is associated with proteins such as spectrin, which forms a flexible cytoplasmic meshwork. This meshwork allows erythrocytes to twist, turn, become cup-shaped, and regain their biconcave shape as they pass through narrow capillaries. Additionally, erythrocytes can form...
Lifecycle of Erythrocytes01:22

Lifecycle of Erythrocytes

Erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells, constantly move through blood capillaries. As a result, they damage their plasma membrane due to the continuous friction. Typically, after 100 to 120 days, erythrocytes become rigid and fragile as they wear out. As they pass through small vessels in the spleen and liver, they can get trapped and break apart into fragments.
The resident phagocytic macrophages deal with these damaged cells by engulfing them and separating their globin and heme groups.
Hemoglobin01:24

Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is a globular protein made up of four subunits. Two of these subunits are alpha chains, and the other two are beta chains. Each subunit contains a molecule of heme, which has an iron atom and can bind to oxygen. When an oxygen molecule binds to one heme group, it changes the shape of hemoglobin, making it easier for the other heme groups to bind oxygen as well.
When all four heme groups are bound to oxygen, the resulting molecule is called oxyhemoglobin. As a result, arterial blood...
Rh Blood Group01:19

Rh Blood Group

The Rhesus (Rh) antigen is crucial in determining blood groups and ensuring compatibility during blood transfusions.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Antigens Protected Functional Red Blood Cells By The Membrane Grafting Of Compact Hyperbranched Polyglycerols
11:31

Antigens Protected Functional Red Blood Cells By The Membrane Grafting Of Compact Hyperbranched Polyglycerols

Published on: January 2, 2013

Reticulocyte hemoglobin content.

Alan E Mast1, Morey A Blinder, Dennis J Dietzen

  • 1Blood Research Institute, Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53201-2178, USA. alan.mast@bcw.edu

American Journal of Hematology
|November 22, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Reticulocyte hemoglobin content (Ret-He) measures functional iron for red blood cell production, aiding in early iron deficiency diagnosis and monitoring iron therapy response. This biomarker helps differentiate iron deficiency anemia from other anemia types.

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09:12

Measuring Deformability and Red Cell Heterogeneity in Blood by Ektacytometry

Published on: January 12, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Clinical Chemistry

Background:

  • Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells, maturing in bone marrow and circulating briefly before becoming erythrocytes.
  • Automated hematology analyzers measure red blood cell indices, including cellular hemoglobin concentration.
  • Reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr or Ret-He) reflects functional iron availability for erythropoiesis over 3-4 days.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the diagnostic utility of reticulocyte hemoglobin content (Ret-He) in iron deficiency.
  • To emphasize Ret-He's role in assessing response to iron therapy and erythropoietin therapy.
  • To position Ret-He as a valuable biomarker for differentiating iron deficiency anemia.

Main Methods:

  • Measurement of reticulocyte hemoglobin content (Ret-He) in peripheral blood samples.
  • Utilizing automated hematology analyzers for hemoglobin concentration measurements.
  • Sequential Ret-He measurements for monitoring therapeutic responses.

Main Results:

  • Ret-He measurement is effective for diagnosing iron deficiency in adults and children.
  • Ret-He levels increase within 2-4 days of initiating intravenous iron therapy.
  • Ret-He serves as an early indicator of iron-restricted erythropoiesis in patients undergoing erythropoietin therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Reticulocyte hemoglobin content (Ret-He) is a valuable biomarker for early iron deficiency diagnosis.
  • Ret-He provides rapid assessment of erythropoietic response to iron replacement therapy.
  • Ret-He aids in distinguishing iron deficiency anemia from other anemia causes.