Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. A laboratory result should be interpreted with related tests, symptoms, medical history, and the reference information on the report.

Which reference range should I use?

Use the reference interval provided by the laboratory that performed the test. Clinical decision cutoffs, when relevant, are shown separately.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Professional assessment is appropriate when a result is markedly outside the reference interval, serious symptoms are present, an abnormality persists or recurs, or follow-up has been recommended.

Information about a laboratory test

Reticulocyte Count: What Does This Blood Test Measure?

Measures the number or percentage of immature red blood cells recently released from the bone marrow.

Test summary

Test name: Reticulocyte Count
Abbreviations: Retic, RET
Category: Hematology
Panel: Erythropoiesis / Anemia Workup
Specimen: Whole blood
Common units: %, /µL, x10^9/L

What does the test measure?

Measures the number or percentage of immature red blood cells recently released from the bone marrow.

Why is the test ordered?

Helps assess how the bone marrow is responding to anemia or blood loss and can help distinguish different anemia patterns.

Information about a low result

A low reticulocyte response may suggest reduced red blood cell production and can occur with iron or vitamin deficiency, kidney disease, or bone-marrow problems.

Information about a high result

A high reticulocyte count may occur when the bone marrow increases production in response to blood loss or red blood cell destruction.

Reference and clinical context

Use the reference interval printed on your own laboratory report first. Reference intervals may vary by laboratory, method, unit, age, sex, pregnancy, specimen, and other conditions. Numeric records in this workbook are explicitly labeled as either source-based example reference intervals or clinical decision cutoffs.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

Reticulocytes should be interpreted with hemoglobin and hematocrit. Pregnancy and high altitude can also affect reticulocyte counts.

Related specialties

Hematology
Internal Medicine
Pediatrics

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Reticulocyte Count — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2024 · Reticulocyte count and bone marrow response · Verified: Aug 11, 2026