Reticulocyte Count
Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells newly released from bone marrow, measured as a percentage of total red cells. High counts indicate active marrow response to blood loss or hemolysis; low counts suggest marrow failure, iron deficiency, or B12/folate deficiency. The reticulocyte index helps classify the cause of anemia.
Optimal range: who says what
No institution or named practitioner we track states an optimal target for Reticulocyte Count. How we verify ranges.
- No stated targetNo separate optimal establishedReflects marrow output; a higher count is expected when recovering from anemia or blood loss
- Lab reference interval0.5-2.5%What a lab report flags against. A lab interval is not an optimal target.
2 providers include this
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Why Reticulocyte Count matters
Indicates bone marrow red blood cell production rate. Elevated after blood loss or hemolysis; low in bone marrow failure or nutritional deficiencies. Helps classify type of anemia.
Which Providers Test Reticulocyte Count?
Cheapest: Marek Health Complete at $895/year. Most comprehensive: Marek Health Executive, 130+ biomarkers for $1950/year.
2 panels that include it, cheapest first
| Provider | Annual Cost | Total Biomarkers | $/Biomarker |
|---|---|---|---|
| $895 | 100+ | $8.95 | |
| $1950 | 130+ | $15.00 |
$/Biomarker is annual cost divided by the panel's advertised biomarker count, not the price of this one test. We track 23 blood test providers (32 plans); 21 of those plans are itemized marker by marker. Compare all of them.
19 itemized panels do not include Reticulocyte Count
Superpower · WHOOP Advanced Labs · Labcorp OnDemand · Life Extension Elite · Everlywell · Mito Health · InsideTracker · Function Health · Marek Health Base · Marek Health Comprehensive · Blueprint · Empirical Health · Oura Health Panels · SiPhox Health · Hims Labs · Healthspan · Vitality Blueprint Standard · Vitality Blueprint Elite · Ultrahuman Blood Vision Annual
11 providers not itemized in our matrix
We have not itemized these marker by marker (some sell tests one at a time), so this page cannot say whether they offer Reticulocyte Count. Check with them directly.
Life Extension Standard · Quest Health · Ultrahuman Blood Vision · Lifeforce · Hundred Health · Personalabs · Walk-In Lab · HealthLabs · WHOOP Specialized Panels · Marek Health Essential · Vitality Blueprint Upload
Experts discussing Reticulocyte Count
Podcast episodes where clinicians and researchers cover this marker in depth. Curated by hand; an episode is listed only when the marker is a substantial topic, not a passing mention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the optimal range for Reticulocyte Count?
No separate optimal established: Reflects marrow output; a higher count is expected when recovering from anemia or blood loss. Lab reference interval: 0.5-2.5%. That is what a lab report flags against, not an optimal target.
Which blood test providers include Reticulocyte Count?
2 of the 21 blood testing panels we itemize marker by marker include Reticulocyte Count in their panels. This biomarker has limited availability.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
Last reviewed Sep 23, 2026 · First published Nov 30, 2025