RETICULOCYTE COUNT TEST

A reticulocyte count measures the number of immature red blood cells (reticulocytes) in your bone marrow. Healthcare providers measure reticulocytes to find out if your bone marrow is producing enough healthy red blood cells. Your bone marrow is a red blood cell production line, constantly creating and nurturing new red blood cells to replace aging and dying red blood cells. That production line goes into high gear if you need more red blood cells than usual. Measuring reticulocytes is one of the many ways healthcare providers diagnose and monitor conditions that affect your red blood cells.