Medical Laboratory Scientist ASCP Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Guide

Supravital staining is primarily used in reticulocyte analysis to visualize the nuclear remnants of RNA within the reticulocytes. This staining technique allows for the identification of reticulocytes, which are immature red blood cells that contain residual RNA, indicative of their recent production from the bone marrow. By applying supravital stains, such as new methylene blue or brilliant cresyl blue, the RNA precipitates within the reticulocyte can be visualized as a network of blue granules or filaments. This is significant because it helps in assessing the bone marrow's response to anemia or blood loss by quantifying the presence of these reticulocytes in the bloodstream.

Detecting the presence of hemoglobin, identifying cell membrane receptors, and assessing cell morphology are important aspects of hematology, but they do not pertain specifically to the primary goal of supravital staining in the context of reticulocyte analysis. The main function of this staining method is the highlighting of RNA remnants to provide valuable insights into erythropoiesis.