How do Reticulocytes Appear in Peripheral Blood Smears?
In peripheral blood smears stained with standard dyes, reticulocytes can be identified by their slightly larger size and a subtle bluish tinge (polychromasia). When stained with supravital dyes, they exhibit a distinctive reticulated pattern due to the remnants of ribosomal RNA. This appearance is a key diagnostic feature in assessing the bone marrow's functional status.
