What is the difference between the three reticulocyte counts?

[MichAlex]

I had a lower hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell count about a few weeks ago.

Now that has corrected itself it seems based on these labs today a hematologist ran. He was saying based on my previous labs it looked like I could have had an anemia of chronic disease since my MCV was normal as were my iron tests, although my iron saturation was low normal.

Anyway, he ran these tests today and it appears I do not have anemia but the reticulocytes were  off? Well, the absolute count wasn't which is why I'm confused:

WBC 9
HGB 12
PLT 326
RBC 4.09
HCT 35.2
MCV 86.1
MCH 29.3
MCHC 34.1
MPV 9.6
RDW 13.40

Reticulocyte, absolute
0.08 normal (0.02 - 0.08)

Reticulocyte count, % 1.84 high (0.4 - 1.6)

Immature reticulocyte fraction, % 17.00 high (0.0 - 16.5)

What is the difference between the three ret tests? It appears my absolute is normal though so do I have a "high" reticulocyte issue or not and if so, what can cause this? Especially with my above bloodwork being essentially normal again?

Thanks!

[Red_Star]

Hi i didn't realise you had asked other questions but you most likely have a diagnosis by now..i hope? :) If not....well not sure about haemolytic anaemia. I do know mild haemolyic anaemia may have normal haemoglobin levels if increased red cell production matches the rate of red cell destruction.  Increased breakdown of haemoglobin may result in increased bilirubin level (on liver tests).  If your source of blood loss is corrected, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and RBC should improve.  

[MichAlex]

To add... all my liver function tests are normal. I read that plays a factor in that type of anemia? I am so confused. LOL. I just want to get to the bottom of this.

[MichAlex]

Thanks!

If I had Hemolytic anemia would my hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cells improve?

I am also wondering if they could rise IF this was in fact blood loss from menstruation and AS the blood loss was recovering, the ret rises?

[Red_Star]

The reticulocyte count is the % of RBC that are reticulocytes (immature blood cells).

Absolute reticulocyte count is the RBC x the % of reticulocytes.

The immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) is calculated as a ratio of immature reticulocytes to the total number of reticulocytes.

A higher than normal percentage of reticulocytes may indicate:

Bleeding (eg: ulcer)
Haemolytic anaemia  
Kidney disease with increased erythropoietin production
Anaemia treatment
Higher altitudes
May be increased during pregnancy
Smokers also may demonstrate an increased number of RBCs and reticulocytes
Erythroblastosis fetalis (haemolytic disease of a newborn infant)