Reticulocytes

Also Known As:
Retic Count
Reticulocyte Percent
Reticulocyte Index
Corrected Reticulocyte
Reticulocyte Production Index
RPI

Formal Name:
Reticulocyte Count

This article was last modified on March 24, 2021

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At a Glance

Why Get Tested?

To help your healthcare practitioner evaluate your bone marrow’s ability to produce red blood cells (RBCs); to help distinguish between various causes of anemia; 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, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anemia, or renal failure

When To Get Tested?

When results of a complete blood count (CBC) show you have a low RBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit and/or when you have symptoms of anemia; when your healthcare practitioner wants to evaluate your bone marrow function

Sample Required?

A blood sample is collected by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm or sometimes from a fingerstick or heelstick (infant).

Test Preparation Needed?

None

Looking For Test Results?

Looking For Reference Ranges?

You may be able to find your test results on your laboratory’s website or patient portal. However, you are currently at Lab Tests Online. You may have been directed here by your lab’s website in order to provide you with background information about the test(s) you had performed. You will need to return to your lab’s website or portal, or contact your healthcare practitioner in order to obtain your test results.

Lab Tests Online is an award-winning patient education website offering information on laboratory tests. The content on the site, which has been reviewed by laboratory scientists and other medical professionals, provides general explanations of what results might mean for each test listed on the site, such as what a high or low value might suggest to your healthcare practitioner about your health or medical condition.

The reference ranges for your tests can be found on your laboratory report. They are typically found to the right of your results.

If you do not have your lab report, consult your healthcare provider or the laboratory that performed the test(s) to obtain the reference range.

Laboratory test results are not meaningful by themselves. Their meaning comes from comparison to reference ranges. Reference ranges are the values expected for a healthy person. They are sometimes called “normal” values. By comparing your test results with reference values, you and your healthcare provider can see if any of your test results fall outside the range of expected values. Values that are outside expected ranges can provide clues to help identify possible conditions or diseases.

While accuracy of laboratory testing has significantly evolved over the past few decades, some lab-to-lab variability can occur due to differences in testing equipment, chemical reagents, and techniques. This is a reason why so few reference ranges are provided on this site. It is important to know that you must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are “within normal limits.”

For more information, please read the article Reference Ranges and What They Mean.

What is being tested?

Reticulocytes are newly produced, relatively immature red blood cells (RBCs). A reticulocyte count helps to determine the number and/or percentage of reticulocytes in the blood and is a reflection of recent bone marrow function or activity.

Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, where blood-forming (hematopoietic) stem cells differentiate and develop, eventually forming reticulocytes and finally becoming mature RBCs. Reticulocytes are visually, slightly larger than mature RBCs. Unlike most other cells in the body, mature RBCs have no nucleus, but reticulocytes still have some remnant genetic material (RNA). As reticulocytes mature, they lose the last residual RNA and most are fully developed within one day of being released from the bone marrow into the blood. The reticulocyte count or percentage is a good indicator of the ability of a person’s bone marrow to adequately produce red blood cells (erythropoiesis).

RBCs typically survive for about 120 days in circulation, and the bone marrow is continually producing new RBCs to replace those that age and degrade or are lost through bleeding. Normally, a stable number of RBCs is maintained in the blood through continual replacement of degraded or lost RBCs.

A variety of diseases and conditions can affect the production of new RBCs and/or their survival, in addition to those conditions that may result in significant bleeding. These conditions may lead to a rise or drop in the number of RBCs and may affect the reticulocyte count.

Higher than normal percentage of reticulocytes: Acute or chronic bleeding (hemorrhage) or increased RBC destruction (hemolysis) can lead to fewer RBCs in the blood, resulting in anemia. The body compensates for this loss or to treatment of deficiency anemias (such as iron deficiency anemia or pernicious anemia) by increasing the rate of RBC production and by releasing RBCs sooner into the blood, before they become more mature. When this happens, the number and percentage of reticulocytes in the blood increases until a sufficient number of RBCs replaces those that were lost or until the production capacity of the bone marrow is reached.

Lower than normal percentage of reticulocytes: Decreased RBC production may occur when the bone marrow is not functioning normally. This can result from a bone marrow disorder such as aplastic anemia. Diminished production can also be due to other factors, for example, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, radiation or chemotherapy treatments for cancer, a low level of the hormone erythropoietin, or deficiencies in certain nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12 or folate. Decreased production leads to fewer RBCs in circulation, decreased hemoglobin and oxygen-carrying capacity, a lower hematocrit, and a reduced number of reticulocytes as old RBCs are removed from the blood but not fully replaced.

Occasionally, both the reticulocyte count and the RBC count will be increased because of excess RBC production by the bone marrow. This may be due to an increased production of erythropoietin, disorders that cause chronic overproduction of RBCs (polycythemia vera), and cigarette smoking.

Some drugs may increase or decrease reticulocyte counts.

Common Questions

How is the test used?

A reticulocyte count is used to determine the number and/or percentage of reticulocytes in the blood to help evaluate conditions that affect red blood cells (RBCs), such as anemia or bone marrow disorders. Reticulocytes are newly produced, relatively immature red blood cells. They form and mature in the bone marrow before being released into the blood.

The reticulocyte count may be used:

As a follow up to abnormal results on a complete blood count (CBC), RBC count, hemoglobin or hematocrit, to help determine the cause
To determine if the bone marrow is functioning properly and responding adequately to the body’s need for red blood cells
To help detect and distinguish between different types of anemia
To monitor response to treatment, such as that for iron-deficiency anemia
To monitor bone marrow function following treatments such as chemotherapy
To monitor function following a bone marrow transplant

Most often, a reticulocyte count is performed with an automated instrument (hematology analyzer) and can be done simultaneously with a CBC, which includes an RBC count, hemoglobin and hematocrit. Either an absolute number of reticulocytes and/or a percentage of reticulocytes can be reported. For a percentage, the number of reticulocytes counted manually is compared to the total number of RBCs:

Reticulocyte (%) = number of reticulocytes X 100 / 1000 (RBCs counted)

For healthcare providers who want to have a definitive number of reticulocytes, they can order an Absolute Reticulocyte Count (ARC):

ARC = reticulocytes (%) x RBC count (x 1012/L) / 100

When is it ordered?

A reticulocyte count may be ordered when:

CBC results show a decreased RBC count and/or a decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit
A healthcare practitioner wants to evaluate bone marrow function
You have signs and symptoms of anemia or chronic bleeding, such as paleness, lack of energy, fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and/or blood in the stool
You have been diagnosed and are being treated for a condition known to affect RBC production, such as iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, or kidney disease (which can affect the production of erythropoietin, a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates RBC production by the bone marrow)
You are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy
You have received a bone marrow transplant
Occasionally when you have an increased number of RBCs and elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit, to help determine the degree and rate of overproduction of RBCs

What does the test result mean?

Results must be interpreted carefully and along with results of other tests, such as a red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), or full CBC. In general, the reticulocyte count (absolute number or percentage) is a reflection of recent bone marrow activity. Results may indicate whether a disease or condition is present that is generating an increased demand for new RBCs and whether the bone marrow is able to respond to the extra requirement. Occasionally, results may indicate overproduction of RBCs.

When anemia is present (i.e., low RBCs, low hemoglobin, low hematocrit) and the bone marrow is responding appropriately to the demand for increased numbers of RBCs, then the bone marrow will produce more and allow for the early release of more immature RBCs, increasing the number of reticulocytes in the blood.

A high reticulocyte count with low RBCs, low hemoglobin, and low hematocrit (anemia) may indicate conditions such as:

Bleeding: If you bleed, then the number of reticulocytes will rise a few days later in an attempt to compensate for the red cell loss. If you have chronic blood loss, then the number of reticulocytes will stay at an increased level as the marrow tries to keep up with the demand for new RBCs (although it may not be high if the blood loss leads to iron deficiency).
Hemolytic anemia: In this condition, anemia is caused by increased destruction of RBCs. The bone marrow increases RBC production to compensate, resulting in a high reticulocyte count.
Hemolytic disease of the newborn: This condition causes increased RBC destruction, similar to hemolytic anemia described above.

A low reticulocyte count with low RBCs, low hemoglobin, and low hematocrit (anemia) may be seen, for example, with:

Iron deficiency anemia
Pernicious anemia or folic acid deficiency
Aplastic anemia
Radiation therapy
Bone marrow failure caused by infection or cancer
Severe kidney disease; this may cause a low level of erythropoietin.
Alcoholism
Endocrine disease

When you have anemia, the percent of reticulocytes present in the blood may appear high compared to the overall number of RBCs. In order to get a more accurate assessment of bone marrow function, a calculation called a corrected reticulocyte count may be reported.

Corrected reticulocyte count (%) = reticulocyte (%) x [patient HCT(%)/45]
45 is considered the average normal hematocrit (HCT).

Other calculations that may also be reported include the reticulocyte production index (RPI) and an immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF). The IRF was previously referred to as the reticulocyte maturity index; however, IRF is now the most common term used to quantify the younger fraction of reticulocytes. (For more on these, see below.)

The reticulocyte test gives an indication of the presence of a disease or condition but is not directly diagnostic of any one particular disease. It is a sign that further investigation may be necessary and a tool that can be used to monitor the effectiveness of therapy.

If reticulocyte numbers rise following chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, or treatment of an iron or vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, then bone marrow RBC production is beginning to recover.

When you do not have anemia, or have a high RBC count (polycythemia), a high reticulocyte count may indicate an overproduction of RBCs. Some conditions that may cause this include:

Polycythemia vera
Tumor that produces excess erythropoietin

In addition to a reticulocyte count, what other tests may be done?

Several other tests may be used in conjunction with a reticulocyte count to further evaluate someone for a condition affecting RBC production. Some examples include:

Sometimes a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy may be done in follow up to abnormal results on initial tests. This procedure is invasive and can not be performed on everyone. It can, however, provide additional information, if necessary.

What is a corrected reticulocyte count (CRC)?

When you have anemia (the number of red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin and hematocrit are low), the percentage of reticulocytes may appear high compared to the overall number of RBCs. This is in part due to the immature cells’ early release from the bone marrow into circulation and the longer time they spend maturing in the blood (from the normal 1 day to 3 or 4 days). In order to get a more accurate assessment of bone marrow function, the reticulocyte percentage (%) is often corrected with a calculation called a corrected reticulocyte count (CRC). This calculation compares your hematocrit with a normal hematocrit value.

What is a reticulocyte production index (RPI)?

The reticulocyte production index (RPI) is a calculation to correct for the degree of reticulocyte immaturity, reflecting how early the reticulocytes were released from the bone marrow and how long it will take them to mature in the bloodstream. The RPI and maturation time vary with the hematocrit.

Reticulocyte Production Index = corrected reticulocyte count/maturation time

The maturation time is based on a patient’s hematocrit with correction factors varying from the typical one day to as much as three days.

What is immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF)?

The immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) is calculated as a ratio of immature reticulocytes to the total number of reticulocytes. It is reported by an automated blood analyzer when a reticulocyte count test is performed. In certain conditions, IRF is a better indicator of bone marrow response than a total reticulocyte count.

My complete blood count (CBC) report includes a result for reticulocyte hemoglobin. What is it?

The hemoglobin inside of reticulocytes can be measured and reported as either a mean reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr) or a reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (Ret-He), depending upon the test method used. This test result would be one of the values reported when blood is evaluated using an automated hematology analyzer.

Reticulocytes are “young” red blood cells that are released by the bone marrow before they become fully mature. The amount of hemoglobin inside of reticulocytes can help determine if there has been enough iron available, to be incorporated into hemoglobin production and then into red blood cell production in the bone marrow, within the past few days. This makes the test useful in identifying functional iron deficiency in certain clinical conditions and in assessing iron deficiency anemia in children.

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 healthcare practitioner may order additional testing (including a reticulocyte count) on the same tube of blood if it can be done on the same day.

Will a blood transfusion affect reticulocyte results?

Yes. Your healthcare provider will determine how long you should wait after a transfusion before having a reticulocyte count performed.

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 healthcare provider to determine how well the bone marrow is functioning.

Is there anything else I should know?

People who move to higher altitudes may have slightly higher reticulocyte counts for a while as their body adapts to the lower oxygen content of their new location. Smokers also may demonstrate an increased number of RBCs and reticulocytes.

Reticulocyte counts may be high during pregnancy. Newborns have a higher percentage of reticulocytes, but the number drops to near adult levels within a few weeks of birth.

Traditionally, reticulocyte counts have been done manually by looking at a specially stained slide under the microscope and counting the number of reticulocytes in a number of fields of view. Although it is used occasionally, the manual method has been replaced by automated methods that allow for a greater number of cells to be counted, thus enhancing the accuracy of reticulocyte counts. The automated method is considered to be more accurate in identifying reticulocytes.

View Sources

Sources Used in Current Review

2020 Review performed by Michelle Moy, M.Ad. Ed., MT (ASCP) SC, Assistant Professor and Program Director, Biomedical Science/Medical Lab Science, College of Arts and Sciences, Madonna University.

Elaine M. Keohane PhD MLS(ASCP)SHCM (Author), Catherine N. Otto PhD MBA MLS(ASCP)CM SH DLM (Author), Jeanine M. Walenga PhD MLS(ASCP)HCM (Author). Rodak’s Hematology: Clinical Principles and Applications 6th Edition pls 164-166.

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Sources Used in Previous Reviews

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