RETICULOCYTES
01 Overview
02 Details
Why Get Tested?
To help evaluate the bone marrow‘s ability to produce red blood cells (RBCs); to help distinguish between various causes of anemia; to help monitor bone marrow response and the return of normal marrow function following chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant, or post-treatment follow-up for iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anemia, or renal failure.
When to Get Tested?
When you have a low RBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit and/or symptoms of anemia; when a healthcare practitioner wants to evaluate your bone marrow function; sometimes as part of a complete blood count (CBC).
Sample Required?
A blood sample obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm or sometimes from a fingerstick or heelstick (infant).
Test Preparation Needed?
None