Our four year old has been having fever and is pale. A blood count showed:

• Hb 45g/l (115-145g/l)
• MCV 85fL
• WCC 12×10*9/l (5-15×10*9/l) with normal white cell differential
• Platelets 352×10*9/l (150-450×10*9/L)
• Reticulocytes 5×10*9/l (50-100×10*9/l)

A blood film is requested and here is a small part

Questions:

• What do you see in the blood film?
• What does the low reticulocyte count mean?
• What tests would you request next?

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