Reticulocyte Count (Per 100,000 Red Blood Cells)
This test measures the number of immature red blood cells (reticulocytes) in your blood. Reticulocytes help assess bone marrow function and identify conditions affecting red blood cell production.
["Reticulocyte count helps diagnose anemia and monitor treatment effectiveness."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12250-7
- Short code
- Retics/1000 RBC Hct adj NFr
- Synonyms
- Retics/1000 RBC Hct adj NFr
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 18 N/A – 60 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is a Reticulocyte Count Used For?
A reticulocyte count is primarily used to evaluate whether your bone marrow is producing enough red blood cells. It can help identify causes of anemia, such as low iron, vitamin deficiencies, or bone marrow disorders. This test is also useful in monitoring conditions like blood loss or response to treatments like chemotherapy or blood transfusions.
How Is This Test Performed?
Your blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The lab examines a small portion of your blood under a microscope to count reticulocytes, which appear slightly different from mature red blood cells due to their ribosomes.
What Might Affect Your Results?
Several factors can influence reticulocyte counts, including recent blood loss, certain medications (like chemotherapy), or underlying health conditions. If you’ve recently had a blood transfusion, your doctor may need to wait before retesting to avoid misleading results.
When Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may order a reticulocyte count if you have symptoms of anemia (like fatigue, pale skin, or shortness of breath) or if tests suggest your bone marrow isn’t making enough red blood cells.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A low reticulocyte count often indicates insufficient red blood cell production, which could stem from conditions like iron deficiency anemia, kidney disease, or aplastic anemia. A high reticulocyte count may suggest your body is compensating for rapid red blood cell destruction (hemolysis) or overproduction due to conditions like polycythemia vera. This test helps guide treatment decisions, such as adjusting medications or identifying underlying causes of anemia.
Short name
Retic
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
What are the normal ranges for reticulocyte counts?
Can I eat or drink anything before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy