Reticulation, polychromasia and stippling of erythrocytes

The morphology of the immature erythrocyte (reticulocyte, polychromatic erythrocyte, stippled erythrocyte) is described. Literature on reticulation, polychromasia and stippling is reviewed with special consideration of the inter-relationship of these phenomena, their chemical basis and the role of preparative techniques in their production. Techniques of reticulocyte staining are summarised and common stains discussed. The effect of dye batch variations on the reticulocyte count is considered. Techniques and stains for polychromatic and stippled cells are described with emphasis on methods which may be used to increase the relative frequency of each cell type.