Reticulocyte Count

Why It Is Done

A reticulocyte count is done to:

• See whether anemia is caused by fewer red blood cells being made or by a greater loss of red blood cells.
• Check to see if treatment for anemia is working. For example, a higher reticulocyte count means that iron replacement treatment or other treatment to reverse the anemia is working.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Douglas Dana Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: November 30, 2006
Medical Review:	Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.