Reticulocyte count
Quick answer: A reticulocyte count measures young red blood cells, which shows how actively your bone marrow is making new red cells. It helps doctors find the cause of anaemia and check the response to treatment such as iron.
- SampleBlood
- TakesAbout 5 minutes
- Before the testNo special preparation is usually needed.
How the test is done
- 1Blood is drawn into an EDTA tube
- 2A special stain or analyser picks out the young red cells
- 3The share and number of reticulocytes are reported
- 4Doctors may correct the result for your haemoglobin level
What your results can mean
Reading your report
Results are read with your haemoglobin and other tests; discuss them with your doctor.
If the result is outside the usual range
A high count can point to the marrow responding to red cell loss or destruction, such as after bleeding or in haemolysis, or to recovery after iron or B12 treatment. A low count can point to the marrow not making enough red cells.
Who usually has this test
People with anaemia, to see whether the marrow is responding, and those being treated for anaemia.
Risks and aftercare
Bruising is possible; keep taking any iron or vitamin treatment as prescribed.
Names and options
Also called: retic count, reticulocytes
Listed by the hospital as
- RETICULOCYTE COUNT, BLOOD
Questions about this test
Why is a reticulocyte count checked after starting iron?
A rise in reticulocytes within one to two weeks shows the marrow is responding to treatment. It is an early sign that treatment is working.
What is the reticulocyte production index?
It adjusts the count for how anaemic you are. This gives a fairer picture of how much the marrow is producing.
Can bleeding raise the reticulocyte count?
Yes, after blood loss the marrow speeds up production. Reticulocytes rise a few days later.
Related tests
Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre, Rajajinagar
34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
Get directions ↗IVF Pulse fertility care at Tamara Hospital →
Reception
Waiting area
IVF lab
This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.