Reticulocyte Count
Private Reticulocyte Count testing in London for £38, measuring one red-cell production marker with results expected in around 1–2 days.
Turnaround time
2 business days
Biomarkers count
1
Book your test
Choose Service Type
Professional phlebotomist comes to you
+ £{{ home_visit_fee }}
Visit our clinic for your test
{{ clinic_visit_fee > 0 ? '+ £' + clinic_visit_fee : 'Free' }}
Home Visit Details
Home visits require at least 24 hours notice.
Select a clinic: Sorting by distance…
{{ clinicAddress(clinic) }}
{{ clinicAddress(selectedClinic) }}
Select a date
Select an hour
Available time slots: {{ timeSlots.length}}
Overview of the Reticulocyte Count Test
The Reticulocyte Count blood test measures young, immature red blood cells recently released from the bone marrow, providing information about how actively the body is producing new red cells.
The test assesses 1 haematology biomarker: Reticulocyte Count.
Red blood cells carry oxygen through the body using Haemoglobin.
They normally circulate for approximately 120 days before being removed and replaced.
The bone marrow continuously produces new red blood cells.
Reticulocytes are the final immature stage before these cells become fully mature erythrocytes.
They usually remain in the circulation for only a short period before completing maturation.
The Reticulocyte Count therefore provides a useful measure of bone-marrow response.
This becomes particularly important when somebody is anaemic.
If Haemoglobin is low and the Reticulocyte Count is appropriately increased, the bone marrow is responding by producing more red cells.
This pattern can occur after blood loss or increased red-cell destruction, known as haemolysis.
If Haemoglobin is low but the Reticulocyte Count is inappropriately low, red-cell production may be impaired.
Possible causes include iron deficiency, B12 or Folate deficiency, chronic disease, kidney disease or bone-marrow disorders.
The count can also rise after effective treatment for a nutritional anaemia as the marrow begins recovering.
Interpretation is usually strongest when combined with Full Blood Count, Haemoglobin, MCV, Ferritin, B12 and Folate.
What Does the Reticulocyte Count Test Check?
The test measures immature red blood cells released from the bone marrow. This test measures 1 biomarker.
Reticulocyte Count
Measures immature circulating red blood cells, providing information about bone-marrow production and the body's response to anaemia, blood loss or red-cell destruction.
Who May Benefit From the Reticulocyte Count Test?
Reticulocyte testing is particularly useful when the cause of anaemia or the response to treatment needs clarification.
People with unexplained anaemia - The count helps distinguish reduced production from increased loss or destruction.
People with recent blood loss - Bone marrow should increase red-cell production during recovery.
People with suspected haemolysis - Increased red-cell destruction often stimulates reticulocyte production.
People beginning iron treatment for deficiency - A rising Reticulocyte Count can provide early evidence of marrow response.
People treated for Vitamin B12 or Folate deficiency - Reticulocytes can increase as effective treatment stimulates red-cell production.
People with suspected bone-marrow suppression - A low count can indicate inadequate production.
People with chronic kidney disease and anaemia - Reduced erythropoietin can impair red-cell production.
People with previous abnormal blood counts - Reticulocyte measurement adds functional information to the Full Blood Count.
How to Prepare
No special dietary preparation is normally required.
Treatment history is particularly useful when the Reticulocyte Count is being used to assess recovery from anaemia.
Symptoms and Reasons to Consider the Reticulocyte Count Test
The symptoms prompting testing usually relate to anaemia or the underlying condition rather than the Reticulocyte Count itself.
Persistent fatigue or weakness - Anaemia can reduce oxygen delivery to tissues.
Breathlessness on exertion - Reduced Haemoglobin can limit oxygen transport.
Pale skin - Pallor can occur with significant anaemia.
Recent significant bleeding - Reticulocytes can show whether the bone marrow is responding.
Jaundice with suspected haemolysis - Red-cell destruction can increase Bilirubin and stimulate reticulocyte production.
A low Haemoglobin result of uncertain cause - Reticulocyte response can help classify the anaemia.
Monitoring recovery after deficiency treatment - A rise can precede full correction of Haemoglobin.
Severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, major bleeding or symptoms of profound anaemia require prompt medical assessment.
Reticulocyte Count should be interpreted alongside Haemoglobin and the wider Full Blood Count.
How to Book Your Reticulocyte Count Test
The Reticulocyte Count can be booked privately for focused assessment of bone-marrow red-cell production.
Choose the Reticulocyte Count
Select the individual Reticulocyte Count blood test online.
Select your sample collection option
Choose an in-clinic blood draw or professional home or hotel phlebotomy where suitable.
Attend your appointment
A trained healthcare professional collects the required EDTA whole-blood sample.
Laboratory analysis
Your blood undergoes automated Reticulocyte Count measurement.
Receive your results securely
Your authorised result is delivered securely and can be interpreted alongside Full Blood Count and anaemia investigations.
When Will I Receive My Results?
The current London Blood Tests page lists a turnaround of approximately 1–2 days after laboratory receipt for Reticulocyte Count.
The specialist laboratory lists a routine analytical turnaround of approximately 1 day.
Understanding Your Results
A high Reticulocyte Count means the bone marrow is producing and releasing increased numbers of young red blood cells.
This can be an appropriate response after blood loss, during haemolysis or after successful treatment of a deficiency.
A low Reticulocyte Count suggests reduced marrow red-cell production.
Possible causes include iron, B12 or Folate deficiency, chronic kidney disease, severe chronic illness or bone-marrow disorders.
A result within the population reference range can still be inappropriate if significant anaemia is present.
When Haemoglobin is low, the marrow would normally be expected to increase production.
For this reason, clinicians may consider the Reticulocyte Count relative to the severity of the anaemia rather than interpreting the number in isolation.
Why Book With London Blood Tests?
London Blood Tests provides private Reticulocyte Count testing for detailed anaemia and bone-marrow assessment.
Measures active red-cell production - Reticulocytes show how strongly the bone marrow is responding.
Useful in unexplained anaemia - The count can distinguish production failure from increased loss or destruction.
Relevant after blood loss - Increased reticulocytes can demonstrate recovery.
Useful in suspected haemolysis - Accelerated red-cell destruction commonly increases marrow response.
Can monitor treatment response - Reticulocytes can rise after effective iron, B12 or Folate treatment.
Rapid laboratory turnaround - Results are expected approximately 1–2 days after laboratory receipt.
Professional blood collection - Clinic and suitable home or hotel phlebotomy appointments are available.
Clear pricing - The Reticulocyte Count costs £38.
Private Reticulocyte Count Blood Test in London
London Blood Tests provides private Reticulocyte Count testing for people requiring assessment of red-cell production.
The test costs £38 and measures 1 haematology biomarker.
Results are expected approximately 1–2 days after laboratory receipt.
The result is most informative when interpreted alongside Haemoglobin and the Full Blood Count.