Reticulocyte Count levels: what's normal, high and low
Newly formed red blood cells. Reflects how actively your marrow is producing red cells.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
Reticulocyte Count is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 30.0 – 100 10^9/L. At TestWell it's $19.99 all-in as Immature Red Blood Cell Test, results in 1–3 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- 10^9/L / K/uL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Not required
- Results
- 1–3 business days
- Price
- $19.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ
Reticulocyte Count Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| age 18+ | 30.0 – 100 10^9/L |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
What your Reticulocyte Count result may mean
Often reflects recovery from blood loss or anemia, or response to treatment.
What a high Reticulocyte Count means: causes, symptoms, next steps →Can reflect marrow suppression, iron/B12/folate deficiency, or kidney disease (low erythropoietin).
What a low Reticulocyte Count means: causes, symptoms, next steps →Educational only — not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence a single result. Discuss anything that concerns you with a healthcare provider.
How do you get a Reticulocyte Count test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. Reticulocyte Count is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Immature Red Blood Cell Test | This marker only | $19.99 |
| Comprehensive Anemia Workup | 8 tests | $169.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for Reticulocyte Count: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $19.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $19.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $17.99 |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Blood Health biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside Reticulocyte Count.
Frequently asked
Often reflects recovery from blood loss or anemia, or response to treatment. A single result above the reference range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician — often a repeat test and related markers — not a diagnosis on its own.
Ready to test your reticulocyte count?
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