Increased reticulocyte count from cord blood samples using hypotonic lysis

► This is a simple and inexpensive method to increase the reticulocyte count of cord blood samples. ► By exposing cord blood to hypotonic saline for 5 min, normocytes are lysed. ► This method increases reticulocytemia by over 3-fold. ► The recovered blood has intact hemoglobin and is still able to support malaria parasites growth.