A high reticulocyte count may mean more red blood cells are being made by the bone marrow. This can occur after a lot of bleeding, a move to a high altitude, or certain types of anemia.
What is the reticulocyte count?
A reticulocyte count is used to determine the number and/or percentage of reticulocytes in the blood to help evaluate conditions that affect red blood cells (RBCs), such as anemia or bone marrow disorders. Reticulocytes are newly produced, relatively immature red blood cells.
What is the normal range of reticulocyte count in children?
The normal reticulocyte count in children and older infants is 1% to 2% of the circulating red cells. The reticulocyte count in term infants ranges between 3% and 7% at birth, but this decreases to less than 1% by 7 days of age (see Table 77-3).