Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Reticulocyte Count

Normal range 0.5–2.5 % of RBC (0.005–0.025 fraction SI). Specimen: Whole blood (EDTA).

Also known as: retic count, young red cells.

0.5–2.5 % of RBCReference range

Reference range

Conventional% of RBC

0.52.5

SIfraction

0.0050.025

Specimen	Whole blood (EDTA)
Conventional range	0.5–2.5 % of RBC
SI range	0.005–0.025 fraction
Conversion factor	×0.01 (conventional → SI)
Panel	Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Convert any Reticulocyte Count result between units on the unit converter.

What is the normal range for Reticulocyte Count?

The standard teaching reference range for Reticulocyte Count is 0.5–2.5 % of RBC in conventional units, or 0.005–0.025 fraction in SI units. This value is measured in whole blood (edta).

Source: Adult reference values compiled from Pagana & Pagana, Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, and Fischbach & Dunning, A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, method, age, sex, and population — always use the range printed on the actual result.

Above the range

Common causes of a high Reticulocyte Count

Recent blood loss or hemolysis
Response to iron/B12/folate therapy
Erythropoietin therapy

Below the range

Common causes of a low Reticulocyte Count

Aplastic anemia
Untreated nutritional deficiency
Bone marrow suppression

At the bedside

Nursing considerations

Measures marrow response to anemia — high means the marrow is compensating.
A low retic count with anemia suggests a production problem.

Study aid

Your notes on Reticulocyte Count

Your notes

Same panel

More Complete Blood Count (CBC) tests

Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)2500–7000 cells/µL Basophils (%)0–1 % of WBC Eosinophils (%)1–4 % of WBC Hematocrit (Hct)36–52 %Hemoglobin (Hgb)12–17.5 g/dL Lymphocytes (%)20–40 % of WBC