The reticulocyte count is a test to measure the level of reticulocytes in your blood.
What Does the Test Measure?
There are a number of reasons why a healthcare provider may order a reticulocyte count.
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Calculations to determine the corrected reticulocyte count and sometimes the reticulocyte production index can solve this problem.
Examples include Howell-Jolly bodies, Heinz bodies, siderocytes, and more.
Thecomplete blood count(CBC) includes the total number of the different types of blood cells present.
There is no dietary or activity restriction before having a reticulocyte count done.
During the Test
The actual blood test usually takes only a few minutes.
For newborns and infants up to about 6 months, a heel prick may be used.
For all other children, blood is drawn from a vein in the arm.
When anemia is not present, the absolute reticulocyte may be used.
To compensate for this lack of clarity, a first correction is made.
Using the corrected reticulocyte count, the count could be falsely high for this reason.
A high reticulocyte count is sometimes referred to as “reticulocytosis.”
In people without anemia, a low reticulocyte count may be seen with some medications.
Further Workup
Often further tests will be needed.
When a reticulocyte count will be repeated will depend on many factors.
There are some situations in which a follow-up test is frequently done.
Treatment for High Reticulocytes
Treatment for a high reticulocyte count involves treating the underlying cause.
If your results are abnormal, your healthcare provider may recommend further testing to determine the exact cause.
The most effective way to manage an abnormal reticulocyte count is to treat the underlying cause.
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