With the automated measurement of reticulocytes, it has become now possible on some hemocytometers, such as the Advia 120, to also determine the hemoglobin content in newly formed reticulocytes (CHr). The hemoglobin content of reticulocytes mirrors more closely the current availability of iron for erythropoiesis. What would make CHr so attractive for clinicians and the clinical laboratory, is not only its acclaimed sensitivity to detect functional iron deficiency, but, even more so, its easy availability, as it forms part of a simple reticulocyte count on a normal hemocytometer.