Reticulocyte Count

General

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.

AgeReticulocyte Count %
Newborn3%–6%
Infant0.4%–2.8%
Child0.8%–2.1%
Adult–older adult0.5%–2.5%
Reticulocyte Count (Absolute Number)
Birth–2 wk0.0396–0.1375 (106 cells/microL) or 39.6–137.5 K/microL
2 wk–older adult0.047–0.152 (106 cells/microL) or 47–152 K/microL
Immature Reticulocyte Fraction %
Birth2.5%–6.5%
Newborn–older adult2.5%–17%
Reticulocyte Hemoglobin
Birth22–32 pg/cell
Newborn–18 yr23–34 pg/cell
Adult–older adult30–35 pg/cell

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions
N/A

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