Reticulocyte Count

Why It Is Done

A reticulocyte count is done to:

• See whether anemia is caused by fewer red blood cells being made or by a greater loss of red blood cells.
• Check to see if treatment for anemia is working. For example, a higher reticulocyte count means that iron replacement treatment or other treatment to reverse the anemia is working.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: September 28, 2006
Medical Review:	Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology
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