Flow cytometric reticulocyte analysis using thiazole orange; clinical experience and technical limitations.

Flow cytometric (FCM) reticulocyte analysis using thiazole orange (TO) is becoming an increasingly popular method for routine quantification of reticulocytes. The methodology is accurate, cost-effective and shows a high correlation with manual techniques. We describe our experience with the clinical application of FCM reticulocyte analysis in a general hospital setting over a 20-month period with special emphasis on technical limitations.