Reticulocyte Count Profile

Immature retic fract test is done to assess bone marrow activity. High and low levels of reticulocyte counts are associated with many conditions i.e. nutritional deficiency, and diseases affecting the bone marrow, liver and kidney.

IRF is used to monitor stem cell regeneration after a bone marrow transplant. Bone marrow activity after chemotherapy, vitamin B12/ folate/ iron therapy

• Assessing erythropoietic bone marrow activity in anemia and other hematologic conditions.
• This test is done to assess bone marrow activity.
• High and low reticulocyte counts are associated with many conditions, such as nutritional deficiency and diseases affecting the bone marrow, liver and kidney.
• It is also necessary to conduct this test after a bone marrow transplant to monitor stem cell regeneration.
• To monitor bone marrow activity which might change significantly after chemotherapy or after vitamin B12, folate, and iron therapy.

Immature retic fract test measures reticulocytes as % of total cells, absolute reticulocyte counts and fraction of immature reticulocytes

Immature retic fract test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in a vacutainer

High reticulocyte count is seen in bleeding, Erythroblastosis fetalis, Hemolytic anaemia, Kidney
disease with increased erythropoietin production. 
Low reticulocyte count is seen in bone marrow failure, Cirrhosis of the liver, Folate deficiency, Iron deficiency, Kidney disease with decreased erythropoietin production, Radiation therapy, Vitamin B-12 deficiency

The reticulocyte count profile aims to measure the number of immature red blood cells in our body. It helps diagnose and monitor various types of anaemia or abnormally low levels of red blood cells. It also can help identify certain rare diseases and conditions that affect red blood cell production. Additionally, it is used to assess how well our body responds to anaemia treatment.

Erythroblastosis fetalis occurs when there is an incompatibility between the blood of the mother and the fetus. This can lead to hemolytic anaemia, a condition in which the red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced. The reticulocyte count profile can be used to diagnose these conditions.

Bone marrow failure is when the bone marrow doesn't produce enough blood cells. Various things, including certain diseases, genetic disorders, and certain medications, can cause this. Bone marrow failure can be fatal if not treated.

It is well known that alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration. However, many may not know that it can also decrease the number of red blood cells (RBCs) in the body. This decrease in RBCs can cause anaemia, a condition characterized by a low reticulocyte count. Alcoholics are more likely to have anaemia than non-alcoholics, which is one of the many reasons excessive alcohol consumption is discouraged.

The risks associated with this test are minimal. However, as with any medical procedure, there is always a risk of infection or other complications if the procedure isn't done correctly or if we have a weakened immune system.

The reticulocyte count profile test requires a small sample of our blood. The sample will be examined under a microscope to count the number of reticulocytes present. In some cases, additional tests may need to be performed to get more detailed information about our health.

Other tests that may be ordered, along with a reticulocyte count profile test, include a complete blood count (CBC), a peripheral smear, and iron studies. These tests further assess our health and help diagnose anaemia or other conditions.

If we have any of the following symptoms, it is recommended that we get the reticulocyte count profile test. 

• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes. 
• Pale skin: We may look like we have sunburn even if we haven't been in the sun. 
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak all the time. 
• Abdominal pain: Pain in our stomach area. 

Dark urine: Our urine may look brown, red, or tea-coloured.

Retic Count Test

Reticulocyte Count Test

% Retic

% Reticulocyte Count

Immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF)

Absolute Retic Count