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Reticulocyte Count is used in the work-up of anaemia to understand blood-cell production and iron status.
Also known as: Retic Count
Sample
Blood
Fasting
Not required
Report in
24 hours
Collection
Free at home
The Reticulocyte Count measures the number of young, immature red blood cells (reticulocytes) in your blood. It shows how actively your bone marrow is producing new red cells, helping distinguish different causes of anaemia.
Ordered alongside a CBC to help determine whether anaemia is due to the bone marrow not producing enough red cells, or due to increased loss/destruction of red cells that the bone marrow is trying to compensate for.
It can help your doctor assess
Distinguishes between under-production anaemias (low reticulocytes - e.g. iron/B12 deficiency, bone marrow problems) and increased-turnover anaemias (high reticulocytes - e.g. bleeding, haemolysis).
This test may be considered for:
Whether this test is right for you depends on your symptoms, medical history and the reason for testing - your doctor can advise.
The percentage or absolute count of reticulocytes - red blood cells that are less than a few days old.
Reticulocyte Count
Bone Marrow Activity
A low count with anaemia suggests the bone marrow isn’t producing enough new cells; a high count suggests the marrow is compensating for cell loss or destruction.
How to read your result
Your report should be read using the reference interval, unit and method shown by the performing laboratory. A result outside a reference interval does not automatically establish a diagnosis, and a result inside the interval does not rule out every health problem. Clinical interpretation depends on symptoms, history and other findings.
| Marker | Result | What it may be associated with |
|---|---|---|
| Reticulocytes | Low (with anaemia) | Suggests the bone marrow isn’t producing enough new red cells - common with iron, B12 or folate deficiency, or bone marrow disorders. |
| Reticulocytes | High (with anaemia) | Suggests the bone marrow is actively compensating - seen with active bleeding or red cell destruction (haemolysis). |
If a result is outside the range
If the Reticulocyte Count is reported as high, low, positive, negative or otherwise outside the laboratory's stated interval, the meaning depends on the specific test and the reason it was ordered. Your clinician may consider repeat testing, related investigations or other clinical information before deciding what the result means.
Limitations of this test
Reticulocyte count is a supporting test - it helps classify the type of anaemia but is always interpreted alongside CBC, iron studies, and clinical history.
An abnormal result does not by itself mean you have a particular disease. Your doctor interprets results together with your symptoms, history and other tests.
| Parameter | Reference range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Reticulocyte Count | 0.5 - 2.5 | % |
Typical adult ranges for guidance. Reference intervals vary with the laboratory method, age and sex - always read your result against the range printed on your own report.
Book
Choose the test and a time slot online, or call us and we'll book it for you.
Prepare
Follow the preparation steps above for this test.
Sample collection
A trained phlebotomist collects the sample at your home - no extra charge.
Laboratory processing
Your sample is processed in our laboratory and reviewed by a pathologist.
Report
Your report is shared on WhatsApp and email, usually within 24 hours.
For a blood-based test, a small blood sample is collected by a trained healthcare professional, usually from a vein in the arm. The collection normally takes only a few minutes; mild temporary discomfort or bruising can occur at the puncture site.
Recent blood transfusion and treatment for anaemia (like iron or B12 supplementation) can change reticulocyte counts as the bone marrow responds.
Laboratory results are interpreted together with your symptoms, medical history and other investigations. If your results are significantly abnormal, or you have symptoms that worry you, discuss them with a qualified doctor promptly.
Trusted public health sources for the information on this page:
This information is for general awareness and does not replace advice from your doctor.
The Reticulocyte Count test cost in Mumbai at HWP Diagnostic is ₹649 - 28% less than the MRP of ₹899. There are no extra charges for home sample collection. The same price applies across Malad, Kandivali, Borivali and Goregaon.
| Test | Reticulocyte Count |
|---|---|
| Price at HWP Diagnostic | ₹649 |
| MRP | ₹899 (you save ₹250 - 28% off) |
| Home collection charge | Free |
| Report time | 24 hours |
| Fasting | Not required |
| Available in | Malad, Kandivali, Borivali & Goregaon (same price) |
Book the Reticulocyte Count test with free home sample collection anywhere in Malad, Kandivali, Borivali and Goregaon, or walk in to our lab in Malad West, Mumbai - open 24×7.
Home collection areas include
Malad WestMalwani & KharodiMalad EastKandivali WestKandivali EastBorivali WestGorai & Borivali WestIC Colony & MandapeshwarBorivali EastGoregaon WestBangur Nagar & Motilal NagarGoregaon EastAarey ColonyDahisarJogeshwari WestJogeshwari East
Directions on Google MapsIt is also known as Retic Count.
Home collection at the same price (₹649) across these areas, with our lab in Malad West open 24×7.
Get this test along with other important checks - usually for less than booking them separately.
No fasting is required.
A CBC shows that anaemia is present, while reticulocyte count helps clarify whether it’s due to reduced red cell production or increased loss - narrowing down the likely cause.
It’s usually a good sign - it shows your bone marrow is responding to treatment (like iron or B12 supplementation) by ramping up new red cell production.
Reticulocyte Count is a blood test. Reticulocyte Count is used in the work-up of anaemia to understand blood-cell production and iron status.
The Reticulocyte Count may be ordered when a healthcare professional needs information about the condition or health area assessed by this test. Reticulocyte Count is used in the work-up of anaemia to understand blood-cell production and iron status. At HWP Diagnostic the sample can be collected free at your home in Malad and nearby Mumbai areas, and the report is usually shared within the same day or next day. Please carry or upload your doctor's prescription where the test needs one, and discuss the result with your doctor for a full interpretation.
Reticulocyte Count is used in the work-up of anaemia to understand blood-cell production and iron status.
The test may be relevant for people whose symptoms, medical history, screening needs or treatment monitoring match the purpose of the Reticulocyte Count.
No special preparation is needed for this test.
No, fasting is not required for the Reticulocyte Count. You can eat and drink normally unless your doctor has advised otherwise.
The Reticulocyte Count is done on a blood sample.
For a blood-based test, a small blood sample is collected by a trained healthcare professional, usually from a vein in the arm. The collection normally takes only a few minutes; mild temporary discomfort or bruising can occur at the puncture site.
Reports for the Reticulocyte Count are usually ready within 24 hours of sample collection. You receive them on WhatsApp and email.
The Reticulocyte Count costs Rs 410 at HWP Diagnostic (MRP Rs 550). Home sample collection is free.
Your report should be read using the reference interval, unit and method shown by the performing laboratory. A result outside a reference interval does not automatically establish a diagnosis, and a result inside the interval does not rule out every health problem. Clinical interpretation depends on symptoms, history and other findings.
If the Reticulocyte Count is reported as high, low, positive, negative or otherwise outside the laboratory's stated interval, the meaning depends on the specific test and the reason it was ordered. Your clinician may consider repeat testing, related investigations or other clinical information before deciding what the result means.
The Reticulocyte Count can provide important information, but laboratory results are generally interpreted together with symptoms, medical history, examination and other investigations. A single result should not be treated as a diagnosis without clinical context.
Some medicines, supplements, food, exercise and other pre-test factors can affect particular laboratory results. Tell the healthcare professional about medicines and supplements you take, and do not stop prescribed medicines unless your clinician tells you to.
Yes. Free home sample collection for the Reticulocyte Count is available across Malad, Kandivali, Borivali and Goregaon in Mumbai. You can also visit our Malad West lab, open 24x7.