Reticulocyte Count

Advanced wellness

also —

What it isReticulocytes are newly released red blood cells that still contain some RNA. Their proportion in blood reflects how briskly the bone marrow is producing red cells.

DoesIndexes erythropoiesis.

GoodA mid-range reticulocyte count signals appropriate baseline red cell production.

BadLow reticulocytes in anemia suggest marrow failure or iron/B12/folate deficiency. High reticulocytes in anemia suggest the marrow is appropriately responding to blood loss or hemolysis.

Standard

0.5–2.5%.

Optimal

0.8–2.0% (narrow target)

Modifiers

Rises briskly with hemolysis, recent blood loss, iron repletion.

How to optimize

Lifestyle: —
Diet: Adequate iron, B12, folate.
Supplements: Address nutrient deficiency.
Peptides: —
Drugs: Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in selected anemias.

within Iron