Reticulocyte Count Test For Bone Marrow Explained in Detail

The Reticulocyte Count Test assesses the number of young red blood cells (reticulocytes) in the blood, helping to evaluate bone marrow function and monitor response to treatment for anemia or other conditions.

 

Reticulocyte Count Test

Here are the basic details for the Reticulocyte Count Test.

Also Known As	Retic Count Test
Type	Blood Test
Purpose	Count Reticulocytes in Blood
Sample Type	Blood
Preparation	No Special Preparation Required
Fasting	No
Gender	All
Age-Group	Any
Normal Value	0.5 - 2.5%
Reporting Time	2 - 4 Hours
Cost	200 - 300 INR*

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

 

RC Test Full Form

The full form of RC Test is Reticulocyte Count Test.

 

Reticulocyte Count Test Means

Measures the number of young red blood cells (reticulocytes) in the blood.

• Evaluates bone marrow function and production of new red blood cells.
• Assesses response to treatment for anemia or other blood disorders.
• Monitors recovery after blood loss or bone marrow suppression.
• Provides insights into the body's ability to produce red blood cells.
  
  

Interesting Facts About Reticulocytes

• Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells.
• They play a crucial role in replenishing oxygen-carrying capacity.
• Reticulocyte count can indicate bone marrow activity.

 

Reticulocyte Count Test Purpose

Here is the basic purpose of the Reticulocyte Count Test.

• Measures young red blood cell count in the blood.
• Evaluates bone marrow function and red blood cell production.
• Monitors response to anemia treatment or blood loss.
• Assesses recovery after bone marrow suppression or injury.
• Provides insights into red blood cell production capacity.

 

 

Reticulocyte Count Test Preparation

Here is the essential preparation for the Reticulocyte Count Test.

 

Before Test

• Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking.
• Follow any fasting instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Provide relevant medical history, such as recent surgeries or conditions.

 

During Test

• Cooperate with the healthcare professional conducting the test.
• Provide a blood sample as requested.
• Stay calm and relaxed during the procedure.

 

After Test

• Resume normal activities.
• Take any prescribed medications as directed.
• Await the test results and discuss them with your doctor.
  
  

Short Summary

Prepare for the Reticulocyte Count Test by informing your doctor, following fasting instructions, cooperating during the blood sample collection, and discussing the results with your doctor.

 

Reticulocyte Count Test Procedure

Here is the basic procedure of the Reticulocyte Count Test.

• A blood sample is taken from a vein using a needle.
• The sample is collected in a tube or vial.
• The blood sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis.
• In the laboratory, the number of reticulocytes in the blood is counted.
• The test results are provided to a healthcare provider for interpretation.

 

Reticulocyte Count Test Result

Here are basic details about the reticulocyte count test results.

• High reticulocyte count indicates increased production of red blood cells.
• Low reticulocyte count suggests decreased production of red blood cells.
• Reticulocyte count helps evaluate bone marrow function.

 

Reticulocyte Count Test Report

Reticulocyte Count Test Report PDF Online Download

 

Reticulocyte Count Test Normal Report

Reticulocyte Count Normal Test Report PDF Format

Reticulocyte Count Test Normal Result Report PDF

 

Reticulocyte Count Test Abnormal Report

Reticulocyte Count Abnormal Test Report PDF Format

Reticulocyte Count Test Abnormal Result Report PDF

 

Reticulocyte Count Test Normal Range

Here is the normal range of the reticulocyte count test.

Reticulocyte Count	Normal Range
Adults	0.5 - 2.5%
Newborns	2 - 6%
Children	0.5 - 4%

 

Reticulocyte Count Test Interpretation

Here is the interpretation of the reticulocyte count test.

Reticulocyte Count	Interpretation
Low	Decreased red blood cell production or increased destruction
Normal	Adequate red blood cell production and turnover
High	Increased red blood cell production or turnover

 

Reticulocyte Count Test High Levels

Here are the potential causes of high reticulocyte count Levels.

Reticulocyte Count High Levels	Causes
Hemolytic anemia	Blood loss
Bone marrow disorders	Kidney disease
Hemorrhage	Hypothyroidism
Iron deficiency anemia	Liver disease
Hemolytic transfusion reaction	Sickle cell disease
Hemolytic disease of the newborn	Chemotherapy

 

Reticulocyte Count Test Low Levels

Here are the potential causes of low reticulocyte count Levels.

Reticulocyte Count Low Levels	Causes
Aplastic anemia	Bone marrow failure
Nutritional deficiencies	Chronic inflammation
Renal disease	Myelodysplastic syndrome
Chemotherapy	Iron deficiency anemia
Radiation therapy	Autoimmune disorders
Viral infections	Medication side effects

 

Short Summary

A high reticulocyte count indicates increased red blood cell production, while low levels may suggest reduced production or destruction of red blood cells.

 

Specimen Requirements For Reticulocyte Count Test

Here are the specimen requirements for the Reticulocyte Count Test.

Specimen	Blood or Serum
Volume	2 ml
Container	Lavender-top (EDTA) tube

 

Reticulocyte Count Test is Safe?

The reticulocyte count test is safe and carries minimal risks.

• It involves a routine blood draw, which is a common procedure.
• Potential complications, such as bruising or infection, are rare but possible

 

When Do You Get Reticulocyte Count Test Results?

• Reticulocyte count test results are usually available within a 2-4 hours to a day.
• The exact timeframe may vary depending on the laboratory and healthcare provider.

 

Reticulocyte Count Test Limitation

Here are some possible limitations of the Reticulocyte Count Test.

• Cannot distinguish between different causes of anemia.
• Results may be affected by certain medications.
• Interference from certain medical conditions can impact accuracy.

 

Reticulocyte Count Test Risk Factors

Here is the potential risk factor of the Reticulocyte Count Test.

• Chronic diseases or conditions affecting the bone marrow.
• Certain medications or treatments affect red blood cell production.
• Genetic disorders impacting red blood cell formation.

 

Doctor Recommendations After Reticulocyte Count Test Result

Here are Doctor's recommendations or consult a specialist after Reticulocyte Count Test.

Test	Doctor to Consult	Reason for Visit
High Values	Hematologist	Possible bone marrow disorder or anemia
Normal Values	General Physician	Routine follow-up or general healthcare
Low Values	Hematologist	Possible iron deficiency or chronic disease

 

Reticulocyte Count Test Price

Here are the estimated Reticulocyte Count Test Price in India with different top cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	200 - 300
New Delhi	250 - 300
Bangalore	250 - 300
Hyderabad	200 - 300
Kolkata	250 - 300
Pune	200 - 300
Lucknow	250 - 300
Noida	250 - 300
Surat	200 - 300
Gurugram	250 - 300
Patna	200 - 300
Chennai	250 - 300
Jaipur	200 - 300
Ahmedabad	200 - 300

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

 

Summary

Overall, The Reticulocyte Count test is a safe method to evaluate the production of new red blood cells. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

 

Reference

• Reticulocyte Count Test - Wikipedia [1].
• Reticulocyte count: a simple test but tricky interpretation - NIH [2].