What Is a Reticulocyte Count?

Reticulocytes are newly produced red blood cells that still contain RNA. They mature into fully functional RBCs within 1–2 days.

Normal Range

• 0.5–2.5% of RBCs
• Absolute: 25,000–75,000/µL

High Reticulocytes

• Blood loss (marrow compensating)
• Hemolytic anemia (marrow replacing destroyed cells)
• After iron/B12/folate treatment (response)

Low Reticulocytes

• Bone marrow failure
• Aplastic anemia
• Chemotherapy
• Nutritional deficiency (untreated)
• Kidney disease (low EPO)