The Reticulocyte count looks at young red blood cells. It is done for: anaemia: bone marrow response.
General health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency, call 102. Always consult a qualified health professional.
Anaemia: bone marrow response.
No fasting needed. Laboratory-specific; see the reference range on your report. High or positive may mean: Bleeding or red cell breakdown with active marrow. Low or negative may mean: Marrow not keeping up. General information, not a diagnosis. Results must be interpreted by a qualified health worker.
Young red blood cells.
Blood
Bleeding or red cell breakdown with active marrow.
Marrow not keeping up.
Reference ranges vary by lab, age and sex — always use the range printed on your own report.
Consult a doctor to interpret results — a single test does not make a diagnosis.
Uses your location once to list the nearest facilities. Nothing is stored.
What does the Reticulocyte count measure?
Young red blood cells.
Why is the Reticulocyte count done?
Anaemia: bone marrow response.
Do I need to fast for the Reticulocyte count?
No fasting needed.
What does a high or positive Reticulocyte count mean?
Bleeding or red cell breakdown with active marrow.
What does a low or negative Reticulocyte count mean?
Marrow not keeping up.
What is the normal range for the Reticulocyte count?
Laboratory-specific; see the reference range on your report.
Why is Reticulocyte count done?
Anaemia: bone marrow response.
Do I need to prepare or fast for Reticulocyte count?
No fasting needed. Laboratory-specific; see the reference range on your report. High or positive may mean: Bleeding or red cell breakdown with active marrow. Low or negative may mean: Marrow not keeping up. General information, not a diagnosis. Results must be interpreted by a qualified health worker.
SI text CC BY 4.0; decoder reference data (cited per range); LOINC codes free with attribution (notice included).
Sources: SI health summary (own words); MedlinePlus Lab Tests and CDC as references