Reticulocyte Count (Manual Count)
This test measures the number of reticulocytes, which are immature red blood cells produced by your bone marrow to replace older cells. They help assess your bone marrow’s ability to produce new red blood cells.
["Reticulocyte count helps diagnose and monitor conditions affecting red blood cell production."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17848-3
- Short code
- Retics/1000 RBC NFr Manual
- Synonyms
- Retics/1000 RBC NFr Manual
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- manual
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test to check if your bone marrow is making enough new red blood cells. It’s often used to evaluate conditions like anemia, blood loss, or bone marrow disorders. A manual count provides a more precise result than automated methods.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm or hand to draw a blood sample. The test is quick and typically done in a lab setting. If you’re on blood thinners, let your doctor know before the procedure.
How the Test Works
Blood is drawn and examined under a microscope by a trained technician. Reticulocytes appear slightly different from mature red blood cells and are counted manually for accuracy. This method helps identify immature cells that may indicate issues with red blood cell production.
Possible Results and Their Meaning
Results are reported as the number of reticulocytes per 100,000 red blood cells. Low counts may suggest anemia or bone marrow problems, while high counts could indicate overproduction of red blood cells (e.g., due to blood loss or certain medical conditions).
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.
Reticulocyte counts are critical in diagnosing and managing anemia, especially types caused by blood loss (e.g., from ulcers or heavy periods), bone marrow disorders (e.g., leukemia), or deficiencies (e.g., iron, vitamin B12, or folate). They also help monitor treatment effectiveness for conditions like sickle cell disease or chemotherapy-related anemia.
Short name
Retic Count (Manual)
Frequently asked questions
What causes low reticulocyte counts?
What causes high reticulocyte counts?
Can reticulocyte counts change with diet?
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