Reticulocyte Count Test

Reticulocyte Count Test – Why am I having this test?

Reticulocyte count test may be used to help determine your bone marrow’s ability to produce RBCs in response to a condition in which you have a low blood cell count (anemia).

Reticulocytes are new, or immature, red blood cells (RBCs) that are made by your bone marrow.

The test may also be done if you have an abnormally high RBC count or a condition that causes other forms of bone marrow dysfunction. Some of these conditions include:

  • Excessive blood loss (hemorrhage).
  • A condition that causes your body to break down RBCs too quickly (hemolysis).
  • A type of anemia that affects how RBCs are formed.
  • Cancer.

What is being tested?

This test measures the amount of reticulocytes in your blood.

What kind of sample is taken?

A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel or by sticking a finger with a small needle.

Tell a health care provider about:

  • Any medical conditions you have.
  • Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as a percentage of the total number of RBCs that are reticulocytes. Your health care provider will compare your results to normal ranges that were established after testing a large group of people (reference ranges). Reference ranges may vary among labs and hospitals. For this test, common reference ranges are:

  • Adult, elderly, or child: 0.5–2.0% of the total number of RBCs.
  • Infant: 0.5–3.1% of the total number of RBCs.
  • Newborn: 2.5–6.5% of the total number of RBCs.

What do the results mean?

Results that are within the reference range are considered normal. A reticulocyte count that is higher than the reference range can result from:

  • Hemolytic anemia. This is a condition in which you have a low RBC count because RBCs are being destroyed more quickly than normal.
  • Hemorrhage.
  • Hemolytic disease of the newborn.
  • Treatment for deficiencies of:
    • Iron.
    • Vitamin B12.
    • Folic acid (folate).

Test results that are lower than the reference range can indicate:

  • Pernicious anemia and folate deficiency.
  • Iron-deficiency anemia.
  • Aplastic anemia. In this type of anemia, the creation of all types of blood cells by the bone marrow is abnormally low.
  • A complication of radiation therapy.
  • Cancer.
  • Bone marrow failure.
  • Abnormal function of adrenal glands.
  • Abnormal function of the pituitary gland.
  • Chronic diseases.

Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

  • When will my results be ready?
  • How will I get my results?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • What other tests do I need?
  • What are my next steps?

Summary

  • Reticulocytes are new, or immature, red blood cells (RBCs) that are made by your bone marrow.
  • The reticulocyte count test may be used to help determine your bone marrow’s ability to produce RBCs in response to a condition in which you have a low blood cell count (anemia).
  • Results that are higher or lower than the reference range may help your health care provider diagnose certain diseases.
  • Make sure you talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
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