Reticulocyte Count
Also known as: Retic Count; Reticulocyte Index; Corrected Reticulocyte
Formal name: Reticulocyte Count
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?
To help evaluate the bone marrow’s ability to produce red blood cells (RBCs) and to help distinguish between anemia related to blood loss or destruction and anemia related to decreased RBC production; to help monitor bone marrow response and the return of normal marrow function following chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant, or post-treatment follow-up for iron deficiency anemia
When to Get Tested?
When you have a decreased (or increased) RBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit and your doctor wants to evaluate bone marrow function
Sample Required?
A blood sample obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm or sometimes from pricking a finger or the heel of an infant
Test Preparation Needed?
None
