Retic Count Test

Reticulocytes are newly formed immature red blood cells (RBCs) that retain a residual amount of genetic material till they are completely mature to form RBCs. Reticulocyte Count Test measures the number and percentage of reticulocytes in blood to determine the ability of the bone marrows to produce RBCs. Our blood is majorly made up of red blood cells (RBCs). These cells are essential for our survival as they transport oxygen all over the body. They contain a particular chemical called Haemoglobin, the main protein responsible for the red colour of red blood cells and oxygen transportation. The human body constantly makes new red blood cells. The lifespan of red blood cells is only four months or 120 days. Our body has a spongy substance in the centre of our bones called bone marrow. This substance is responsible for making new RBC cells. Bone marrow initially creates immature RBC cells known as reticulocytes. They are larger than mature red blood cells. Reticulocytes are around 0.5% to 1.5% of the total red blood cells. Retic count test is used to check the concentration of reticulocytes in the blood. It also checks if the bone marrow is functioning correctly or not. If the body’s red blood count is too low or too high, the body will try to balance out the concentration by releasing more or fewer reticulocytes. A retic count test is used to diagnose various medical conditions related to blood count. The following conditions might warrant a retic count test: Bone marrow disorder, Anaemia, Chemotherapy, Bone marrow transplant, Iron deficiency, Kidney disease.