RETICULOCYTE COUNT (AUTOMATION)

Overview

A reticulocyte count is a blood test that measures the amount of these cells in the blood. In the presence of some anemias, the body increases production of red blood cells (RBCs), and sends these cells into the bloodstream before they are mature. Red blood cells are discriminated from platelets and white blood cells by forward versus side scatter analysis. A normal result for healthy adults who are not anemic is around 0.5% to 2.5%. A higher than normal reticulocytes count may indicate: Anemia due to red blood cells being destroyed earlier than normal (hemolytic anemia) Bleeding Blood disorder in a fetus or newborn (erythroblastosis fetalis) Kidney disease, with increased production of a hormone called erythropoietin. A lower than normal reticulocyte count may indicate: Bone marrow failure (for example, from a certain drug, tumor, radiation therapy, or infection) Cirrhosis of the liver Anemia caused by low iron levels, or low levels of vitamin B12 or folate Chronic kidney disease