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What is Reticulocyte Count Test?
A reticulocyte count test is a blood test that assesses the number of reticulocyte cells in your blood. Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells or corpuscles synthesised by your bone marrow. During certain diseases or abnormal health conditions, your body may enhance the synthesis of red blood cells (RBCs). They release the immature red blood cells into the blood circulation. The abnormal conditions include anaemia, bone marrow disorders etc.
A high value in reticulocytes may indicate health disorders. It may be anaemia, blood loss, bleeding disorders etc. It may show higher value during pregnancy and at higher altitudes. However, this is temporary and normal. The count gets normal once your body adapts to the mountains’ low oxygen levels.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Reticulocyte Count Test used for?
A reticulocyte count test may have multiple uses. It may assess the function of bone marrow and diagnose types of anaemia. It may also help to assess bone marrow function after a transplant. It may also evaluate the progress of treatment. It may be anaemia, kidney, liver diseases etc.
Understanding the test results of the Reticulocyte Count Test
A reticulocyte count test result with high values may indicate various disorders. It includes kidney disease, liver disorder, bleeding and disorders with bone marrow. It also indicates haemolytic anaemia. It results in the abnormal destruction of red blood cells.
A low level of the Reticulocyte Count Test indicates reduced synthesis of red blood cells by the bone marrow. It may indicate iron deficiency anaemia, pernicious anaemia, bone marrow failure and furthermore.
Why do I need a Reticulocyte Count Test?
A reticulocyte test may be advised when the usual blood tests show abnormal values. They include complete blood count, haemoglobin test etc. It may be done if you are undergoing any bone marrow transplant, chemotherapy or any symptoms of anaemia. It may include weakness, fatigue, breathlessness etc.
What happens during the Reticulocyte Count Test?
A blood sample from the vein in your arm is taken with a needle during the test. Once the needle is pierced into your skin, you may notice a mild sting like pain or sensation. Then a required amount of blood may be drawn. It may be 5 ml. The procedure may take hardly five minutes.
When do you check reticulocyte count?
A reticulocyte count test may be performed when there may be any abnormality in your usual blood reports. It may also be performed when you feel any symptoms of anaemia. During iron deficiency anaemia, your body may not synthesise enough red blood cells. This may result in the following symptoms. It may be a weakness, fatigue, headaches, breathlessness, etc.
Is high reticulocyte count bad?
Yes, a higher reticulocyte count may be harmful. A high reticulocyte count indicates abnormal synthesis of immature red blood cells by the bone marrow. It indicates blood loss or bleeding, haemolytic anaemia and other disorders. Smoking and toxins in your body may also elevate the reticulocyte count. It may also be high during pregnancy and at higher altitudes. These conditions may not be abnormal.
What causes low reticulocyte count?
Low reticulocyte count may be caused due to abnormal or impaired bone marrow function. It may be due to nutritional deficiencies like iron or folate deficiency. Chemotherapy radiation therapy may also reduce the reticulocyte count. Alcoholism, kidney and liver disease may also cause low reticulocyte count.
How do you correct a reticulocyte count?
A high or low value in reticulocytes may be due to higher or lower immature red blood cells production. It results from underlying disorders. Reticulocytes may be corrected with medications and therapy. Higher or lower reticulocyte count may be normalised on recovery from disorders.
What is the upper limit of reticulocyte count?
The upper limit indicates the highest possible value in test results. The upper limit of reticulocyte count in adults may be 0.5 % to 1.5 %. Abnormal reticulocyte levels may indicate blood loss, bleeding disorders and furthermore.
Is a reticulocyte count in a CBC?
CBC indicates a complete blood count. Yes, reticulocyte count may be present in CBC. Reticulocyte count may be the total number of immature red blood cells found in your blood sample. It is indicated and measured in percentage.
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