Description

A reticulocyte count blood test measures the number of reticulocytes in your blood, which are immature red blood cells. The test determines if your bone marrow is producing red blood cells at the right rate. 

Why it's important

Anemia

  • A reticulocyte count can help diagnose anemia, which occurs when your body doesn't produce enough red blood cells. 

Bone marrow health

  • A reticulocyte count can help evaluate how well your bone marrow is functioning. 

Blood disorders

  • A reticulocyte count can help diagnose blood disorders that affect red blood cells. 

Pregnancy

  • A reticulocyte count can help detect conditions that affect red blood cells during pregnancy. 

What it can indicate

High reticulocyte count

  • Could indicate pregnancy, bleeding, hemolytic anemia, or kidney cysts or tumors 

Low reticulocyte count

  • Could indicate iron deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia, aplastic anemia, or bone marrow failure

Fasting no required.