Reticulocyte Count · low result
What does a low Reticulocyte Count mean?
Short answer
A low reticulocyte count in someone with anemia means the marrow is not making enough new red cells: iron, B12 or folate deficiency before treatment, chronic kidney disease (too little erythropoietin), chronic inflammation, bone-marrow suppression by medications or infection, and primary marrow disorders such as aplastic anemia or myelodysplasia. With a normal hemoglobin, a low-normal count is simply not needed.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
When does this result need same-day care?
- Low reticulocytes with a rapidly falling hemoglobin, or with low platelets and white cells — prompt evaluation
What is the normal range for Reticulocyte Count?
- age 18+: 30.0 – 100 10^9/L
Can reflect marrow suppression, iron/B12/folate deficiency, or kidney disease (low erythropoietin).
Full reference table, citations and testing options: Reticulocyte Count biomarker page.
What are the common causes of low Reticulocyte Count?
- Untreated iron, B12 or folate deficiency
- Chronic kidney disease (low erythropoietin)
- Anemia of chronic disease/inflammation, hypothyroidism
- Bone-marrow suppression: chemotherapy, some antibiotics and anticonvulsants, alcohol, parvovirus B19
- Aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, marrow infiltration (less common)
What symptoms go with low Reticulocyte Count?
- Fatigue, breathlessness, pallor; frequent infections or bruising if other cell lines are affected
What do clinicians usually check next?
- Ferritin, B12, folate, kidney function, TSH
- Peripheral smear; CBC trend
- Hematology referral (possible marrow evaluation) when the count stays low without a nutritional or renal cause
Follow-up tests available at TestWell: CBC with Differential ($21.99), CBC (Complete Blood Count) ($21.99), TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ($26.99), TSH + Free T4 ($27.99), Ferritin ($24.99), Folate (Vitamin B9) ($32.99).
How do you recheck Reticulocyte Count?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Anemia Workup | Panel · 8 tests | $169.99 | Yes | 3–5 business days |
| Immature Red Blood Cell Test | Test | $19.99 | No | 1–3 business days |
Common questions
What is the reticulocyte production index?
A correction of the count for how severe the anemia is. A raw count can look 'normal' while still being inadequate for a low hemoglobin; the index below 2 means under-production.
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.