Definition & Meaning of "reticulocyte count"

What is a "reticulocyte count"?

A reticulocyte count is a blood test that measures the number of reticulocytes, which are immature red blood cells, in a blood sample. Reticulocytes are produced by the bone marrow and are released into the bloodstream before maturing into fully functional red blood cells. This test helps evaluate how well the bone marrow is producing red blood cells and is used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as anemia, blood loss, or bone marrow disorders. An increased reticulocyte count may be a sign that the body is producing more red blood cells to make up for a shortage, while a low count can suggest issues with red blood cell production.