Reticulocyte Count Blood Test

Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells that have recently been released from your bone marrow. They typically spend about two days maturing in your bloodstream before becoming fully functional red blood cells. This test measures what percentage of your red blood cells are reticulocytes, which helps assess how actively your bone marrow is producing new red blood cells. A high count may indicate that your body is working hard to replace red blood cells due to bleeding or destruction of red blood cells, while a low count might suggest your bone marrow isn't producing enough new cells.

Reticulocyte antibodies are proteins that can mistakenly destroy reticulocytes (immature red blood cells). These antibodies can form in conditions where the immune system becomes overactive or confused, leading to the premature breakdown of these young blood cells. Testing for these antibodies can help identify certain types of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, where your immune system attacks your own red blood cells.