Reticulated platelets: the birth of a new test for thrombopoiesis
Summary In this current era of medicine the introduction of new tests is increasingly difficult. It is no longer enough to demonstrate that a test works, or even that it can be clinically useful. It must also be “cost effective,” and the criteria by which this is established are often unclear. Those of us who work in the clinical laboratory often approach new tests with a feeling of trepidation. There are many examples of useful and important tests that have taken years to slowly achieve acceptance. It is thus refreshing that the assay of reticulated platelets has come rapidly onto the scene and, by all of the information that we currently have, appears to be both important and cost effective. It has behind it the force of logic, and of medical necessity. In addition, it is relatively inexpensive, and shows promise of being easily automated. It is very likely that it will become a routine part of the hematological laboratory in the next few years.