What is a Reticulocyte Count Test?
A reticulocyte count is a blood test that measures the number of immature or undeveloped red blood cells in the body.
The bone marrow generates immature red blood cells called reticulocytes, which enter the bloodstream and serve a vital function in delivering oxygen from the lungs to all cells in the body.
Reticulocytes take around 48 hours to mature into fully functional red blood cells after their formation.
- The count of reticulocytes in the blood is a measure of their quantity.
- Reticulocytes are considered youthful and undeveloped red blood cells.
- Deviations in the number of reticulocytes can indicate various health issues.
- Unusually elevated or reduced reticulocyte counts may indicate conditions such as anaemia or problems with vital organs like the bone marrow, liver, or kidneys disorders.
- Maintaining vigilance over reticulocyte counts and addressing any irregularities promptly is crucial for maintaining good health.
What is it used for the Reticulocyte Count Test?
The healthcare providers check with this test that your bone marrow is producing good enough healthy red blood cells for your body. A reticulocyte count is usually used to:
- Determine the type of anemia. Anemia is a disorder in which the blood contains fewer red blood cells than usual. Anemia comes in various forms and causes.
- Check to see if the anemia treatment is effective.
- Examine if the bone marrow is creating enough blood cells.
- Examine bone marrow function following chemotherapy or a bone marrow transplant.
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Get A Second OpinionReticulocyte Count Test Procedure
Here’s the procedure of how the reticulocyte count test is done:
- Blood sample: A healthcare provider will take a small amount of blood, typically from a vein in your arm.
- Lab analysis: The blood sample is sent to a laboratory where technicians use specific stains or machines to highlight and count the reticulocytes (which are immature red blood cells).
- Result: The lab will calculate the percentage of reticulocytes in your blood and compare it to the normal range to determine if your bone marrow is producing red blood cells as it should.
What is the typical range for a reticulocyte count?
The usual range for reticulocyte counts in healthy people is:
- Adults: 0.5% to 2.5% of the total red blood cells.
- Newborns: 2% to 6% of the total red blood cells (this is elevated because of the higher turnover of red blood cells right after birth).
This count assesses the quantity of young red blood cells (reticulocytes) in the blood, which helps evaluate bone marrow function and conditions related to anemia.
Why do I need a Reticulocyte Count Test?
This test may be required if:
- The red blood cell levels are not normal, according to other blood tests such as blood count, hemoglobin test, or hematocrit test
- You are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatment.
- You have recently undergone a bone marrow transplant.
Individuals may also require this test if they have anemic symptoms. These include:
Newborn babies are sometimes tested for hemolytic disease of the newborn. This condition occurs when a mother's blood is incompatible with that of her unborn child. This is referred to as Rh incompatibility. The mother's immune system attacks the baby's red blood cells. As part of regular prenatal screening, most pregnant women are tested for Rh incompatibility.
What happens during a Reticulocyte Count Test?
A medical expert will take a blood sample from your arm's vein with a small needle. After placing the needle, a small amount of blood is collected in a test tube or vial.
When the needle is placed or removed, individuals may feel a mild prickling sensation, and the procedure usually takes no more than five minutes.
When examining a newborn, a healthcare practitioner will sanitize the baby's heel with alcohol and puncture it with a small needle. The practitioner will collect a few droplets of blood and cover the area with a bandage.
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Book an AppointmentAre there any risks to the test?
After a reticulocyte count test, you may experience mild discomfort or discoloration at the location where the needle was inserted, but these symptoms generally disappear rapidly.
The risk of harm to your infant from a needle prick test is minimal. Your baby may experience a slight pinching sensation when the heel is punctured, and a tiny bruise may emerge at the site, but these should dissipate promptly.
What do the results mean?
If the reticulocyte count test results show an abnormally high number of reticulocytes (reticulocytosis), this could indicate that:
- You have hemolytic anemia
- The child has a hemolytic illness of the newborn
If the reticulocyte count is lower than normal, it could suggest you have:
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Pernicious anemia
- Aplastic anemia
- Bone marrow failure
- Kidney disease
- Cirrhosis
These reticulocyte count test results are frequently compared to those of other blood tests. Contact the medical professional if you have questions about your or your child's results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Isany special preparation required for a reticulocyte count?
No, special preparation is required for a reticulocyte count.
IsDoes a reticulocyte count require fasting?
No, fasting is not required for a reticulocyte count.
IsIs a reticulocyte count painful?
No, a reticulocyte count is not painful.
IsWhat does a high reticulocyte count mean?
A high reticulocyte count indicates that your bone marrow produces more red blood cells than normal.
IsCan a reticulocyte count diagnose a specific disease?
No, a reticulocyte count cannot diagnose a specific disease, but it can provide important information regarding bone marrow-producing red blood cells.
IsCan a reticulocyte count be done during pregnancy?
Yes, a reticulocyte count can be done during pregnancy.
IsHow often should a reticulocyte count be done?
The frequency of a reticulocyte count depends on the underlying condition and the treatment being given.
IsCan a reticulocyte count be done at home?
No, a reticulocyte count cannot be done at home.
IsWhat is the cost of a reticulocyte count?
The cost of the reticulocyte count test is approximately Rs. 250.
