Reticulocyte Count
Also written as: retic count, retics
Young, newly released red blood cells - a direct gauge of bone marrow output.
What it measures
The number of reticulocytes in the blood. These are brand-new red blood cells released from the bone marrow within roughly the last day or two, so they show how actively the marrow is producing red cells right now.
Why a doctor orders it
Most often ordered during an anemia workup to sort out whether the marrow is failing to make enough red cells or is working hard to replace cells being lost or destroyed. It is also used to watch whether the marrow responds after a deficiency is corrected.
What is generally associated with a higher result
Broadly associated with the marrow ramping up production - after bleeding, when red cells are being broken down early, following recovery from a nutrient shortage, or after moving to high altitude. In these settings a high count reflects a marrow doing its job.
What is generally associated with a lower result
Broadly associated with reduced marrow output, as seen with iron, B12, or folate shortage, chronic kidney disease, and conditions or treatments that suppress the marrow.
Everyday things that move this number
Not every shift in a value reflects disease. These are ordinary factors known to affect this particular measurement:
- Recent blood donation or any recent bleeding, which drives the count up as the marrow responds
- Recently started iron or vitamin supplements, which can produce a brisk rise
- Moving to or training at high altitude
- Pregnancy
Questions to take to your appointment
- Was this reported as a percentage or an absolute count, and which one matters in my situation?
- Given my other blood counts, does this suggest a production problem or a loss problem?
- Would checking it again after any recent bleeding or supplement change give a clearer picture?
Build a printable questionnaire with your own results →
Where to read more
MedlinePlus, from the US National Library of Medicine, publishes patient-facing pages on individual lab tests and is a reliable next stop: medlineplus.gov/lab-tests .
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