Reticulocyte Count: Common Questions

Reticulocyte Count

Also known as: Retic Count, Reticulocyte Index, Corrected Reticulocyte
Formal name: Reticulocyte Count
Related tests: Red blood cell count, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, CBC, Blood Smear, Erythropoietin

	Common Questions
	1. Can the reticulocyte count be done at home? 2. Can the reticulocyte count be done on the same tube of blood as the RBC count or CBC? 3. Will a blood transfusion affect reticulocyte results? 4. How else might my doctor evaluate the cell production in my bone marrow? 1. Can the reticulocyte count be done at home? No, it must be performed and interpreted by trained personnel in the doctor’s office or laboratory. [Back to top ] 2. Can the reticulocyte count be done on the same tube of blood as the RBC count or CBC? Yes. If anemia is detected during a routine blood test, the doctor can frequently order additional testing (including a reticulocyte test) on the same tube of blood if it can be done on the same day. [Back to top ] 3. Will a blood transfusion affect reticulocyte results? Yes. Your doctor will determine how long you should wait after a transfusion before having a reticulocyte count performed. [Back to top ] 4. How else might my doctor evaluate the cell production in my bone marrow? In some cases, a procedure called a bone marrow aspiration may be performed to obtain a sample of marrow to evaluate under the microscope. Sometimes this is the best way for a doctor to determine how well the bone marrow is functioning. [Back to top ] << Prev \| Next >>

This article was last reviewed on June 22, 2005.