Reticulocyte count
| Category | Haematology |
|---|---|
| Test background |
Reticulocytes are young red cells newly released from the bone marrow. The reticulocyte count gives an indication of bone marrow activity, and is often integral in the classification and assessment of anaemias. |
| Clinical Indications |
An increased reticulocyte count may be seen in chronic anaemia states, haemolytic anaemias and bleeding. A decreased reticulocyte number is observed in iron deficiency anaemia, pernicious anaemia or folate deficiency, aplastic anaemia, radiation therapy and other causes of bone marrow failure, eg. secondary to infection or cancer. |
| Reference range | 20-92 x 109/L |
| Sample & container required | 4 mL EDTA (lavender top) adults 0.5 mL EDTA (lavender top) paediatrics |
| Sample volume | 0.5 mL adult tube 0.2 mL paediatric tube |
| Turnaround time | 4 hours |