What is the definition or description of: reticulocyte count?

Reticulocytes are: "young" red blood cells. They have just emerged from the bm into the circulation. They tend to be larger and slightly purple on the smear. A special stain can be done to make them stand out and the lab can count them. This is usually a sign of a robust production of rbcs and therefore good news. Especially if the patient is recovering from blood loss or some other marrow insult.