Reticulocyte Count Blood Test
See how actively your bone marrow is making new red cells.
The Reticulocyte Count Blood Test measures the number and proportion of reticulocytes in your blood. Reticulocytes are young, newly released red blood cells, and their count gives a direct view of how actively your bone marrow is producing red cells. This test is used to investigate anaemia, monitor recovery after blood loss or treatment, assess bone marrow response, and help distinguish between different causes of low red cell counts. It is suitable for patients with unexplained anaemia, those being monitored during treatment for iron, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, and individuals with known or suspected bone marrow disorders.
Markers included
Reticulocyte markers
- Reticulocyte count (absolute): the actual number of reticulocytes in a volume of blood, giving a direct measure of new red cell production.
- Reticulocyte percentage (%): the proportion of reticulocytes relative to total red blood cells, useful for assessing bone marrow response.
Why it matters
Reticulocytes are the earliest form of red blood cell released from the bone marrow. A high reticulocyte count suggests the marrow is working hard to replace lost or destroyed red cells, which can occur with bleeding, haemolysis, or response to treatment. A low count suggests the marrow is not responding adequately, which may point to nutritional deficiencies, bone marrow suppression, or other underlying conditions. This test provides valuable information that helps your doctor understand the cause of anaemia and guide further investigation or treatment.
Reticulocyte markers
- Reticulocyte count (absolute)
- Reticulocyte percentage (%)
No special preparation required.
For blood tests, we recommend drinking plenty of water beforehand to ensure smooth sample collection. If you are taking any regular medication, continue to do so unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Important Clinical Information:
This test is a screening tool to monitor and support your overall health. It does not replace your GP or consultant.
Always discuss your test results, especially any abnormal results, with your GP, who can interpret them in the context of your medical history and overall health.