Reticulocyte count is generally measured in the following cases:
To monitor therapy response of a patient of anemia.
To determine the functionality of the bone marrow.
To differentiate whether cause of anemia is diminished activity of bone marrow or it is due to increased peripheral destruction of RBC.
Reticulocyte are an immature form of RBC (carriers of oxygen in the body). Lifespan of a reticulocyte in the blood stream is approximately 2 days after which it converts into RBC. This test measures the level of Reticulocyte in the body.
Suppressed bone marrow function. For example, in cases of aplastic anemia and iron deficiency anemia.
Certain long term infections or use of certain drugs.
Increased proliferation capacity of bone marrow which can occur at high altitudes, during increased bleeding or in cases of therapy response to anemia.
Reticulocyte Count test is done in conjugation with CBC, Anemia Profile tests like Serum Iron.
