RETICULOCYTE STAIN_______________________________________________
INTENDED USE_______________________________________________
Reticulocyte Stain is intended for the identification of reticulocytes in blood films.
Reticulocyte Stain reagents are for “In Vitro Diagnostic Use.”
In 1949, Brecher1 introduced the new methylene blue method for iden ti fi ca tion of
reticulocytes based on precipitation of ribosomal RNA by the cationic dye. This has now
replaced other methods and is the rec og nized procedure for the quantitation of reticulocytes
in peripheral blood.2
Sigma-Aldrich provides a stable solution for the staining of retic u lo cytes in blood
films. The blood and reticulocyte staining solution are mixed and incubated briefly at room
temperature. Wedge or spun smears are made on microscope slides, air dried and evaluated
under