Synonym/Acronym:
retic count.
Rationale
To assess reticulocyte count in relation to bone marrow activity toward diagnosing anemias such as pernicious iron deficiency, and hemolytic anemia; to monitor response of therapeutic interventions.
Patient Preparation
There are no food, fluid, activity, or medication restrictions unless by medical direction.
Normal Findings
Method: Automated analyzer, flow cytometry smear.
| Age | Reticulocyte Count |
|---|---|
| Newborn | 3%–6% |
| Infant | 0.4%–2.8% |
| Child | 0.8%–2.1% |
| Adult–older adult | 0.5%–2.5% |
| Reticulocyte Count (Absolute Number) | |
| Birth–2 wk | 0.0396–0.1375 (106 cells/microL) or 39.6–137.5 K/microL |
| 2 wk–older adult | 0.047–0.152 (106 cells/microL) or 47–152 K/microL |
| Immature Reticulocyte Fraction % | |
| Birth | 2.5%–6.5% |
| Newborn–older adult | 2.5%–17% |
| Reticulocyte Hemoglobin | |
| Birth | 22–32 pg/cell |
| Newborn–18 yr | 23–34 pg/cell |
| Adult–older adult | 30–35 pg/cell |
Critical Findings and Potential Interventions
N/A
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