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Choose collection locationHaematology · Individual laboratory test
Reticulocyte Count
Reticulocytes are young red blood cells. Their count gives a picture of how the bone marrow is responding to anaemia or recovery.
Price for this test on its ownAED 125Test price AED 25
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Whole Blood (EDTA)
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does the Reticulocyte Count test measure?
Also called Young Red Blood Cells
A clinician may use reticulocytes to distinguish reduced red cell production from the marrow's response to loss or recovery after treatment.
When it may be requested
Assessing new red cells
Reticulocytes show whether the marrow is releasing newly formed red blood cells.
Following recovery
A changing count can help clinicians assess the response to anaemia or treatment.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenWhole Blood (EDTA)
Your checklist
Fasting is generally unnecessary. Give the dates of recent bleeding, transfusion or treatment for anaemia, because timing changes the expected marrow response.
The clinician takes blood from a vein into a tube that keeps it from clotting. The collection team sends the labelled specimen to the laboratory.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guideReticulocyte Count
Reading your result
The expected response depends on how anaemic the person is. The reticulocyte value and haemoglobin should be interpreted together.
What can affect it
- A reticulocyte percentage needs to be read alongside the degree of anaemia.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testReticulocyte Count
- Specimen
- Whole Blood (EDTA)
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Reticulocyte Count in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
Ask how the marrow response compares with your haemoglobin level and the date treatment began or any blood loss occurred.
Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Why look at this alongside haemoglobin?
Haemoglobin shows the current level of oxygen-carrying protein. Reticulocytes show whether new red cells are being released in response.
Can a blood transfusion or medicines affect the reticulocyte count?
Yes. A recent transfusion temporarily suppresses your own marrow output and can flatten the count, masking a genuine response. Chemotherapy lowers it, while erythropoietin treatment raises it. Mention any transfusion in the recent past and these treatments when you give the sample, so the result is read in the right context.
What does a high reticulocyte count mean if I am not anaemic?
It means the marrow is producing extra red cells and keeping pace. This can follow recent bleeding that has been replaced, red cells being destroyed faster than usual with production compensating, recovery after a period of marrow suppression, erythropoietin treatment, or chronic low oxygen from lung disease or a recent stay at high altitude. Your doctor looks at which fits your history.
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Your next step
Reticulocyte Count test at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.