Reticulocyte Count

Results

A reticulocyte count is a blood test that measures how fast red blood cells called reticulocytes are made by the bone marrow and released into the blood.

Normal

The reticulocyte count is given as the percentage of red blood cells that are reticulocytes (the number of reticulocytes divided by the total number of red blood cells, multiplied by 100).

Normal values may vary from lab to lab. Results are ready in 1 day.

Newborns have a normal reticulocyte count of 2.5% to 6.5%. This value drops within 2 weeks to 0.5% to 2.0%.

Reticulocyte count

Normal:	10–86 x 109 cells per liter (cells/L)

High values

• A high reticulocyte count may mean more red blood cells are made by the bone marrow. This can occur after a lot of bleeding, a move to a high altitude, or certain types of anemia. These conditions cause red blood cells to break down (hemolysis).
• The reticulocyte count rises after the treatment for pernicious anemia, iron deficiency anemia, or folic acid deficiency anemia starts working.

Low values

• A low reticulocyte count may mean fewer red blood cells are made by the bone marrow. This can be caused by aplastic anemia or other types of anemia, such as iron deficiency anemia.
• A low reticulocyte count can also be caused by exposure to radiation, a long-term (chronic) infection, or by certain medicines that damage the bone marrow.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: September 28, 2006
Medical Review:	Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology
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