Why do I need a reticulocyte count?
You may need this test if:
Other blood tests show your red blood cell levels are not normal. These tests may include a complete blood count, hemoglobin test, and/or hematocrit test.
You are being treated with radiation or chemotherapy
You recently received a bone marrow transplant
You may also need this test if you have symptoms of anemia. These include:
Fatigue
Weakness
Shortness of breath
Pale skin
Cold hands and/or feet
Sometimes new babies are tested for a condition called hemolytic disease of the newborn. This condition happens when a mother's blood is not compatible with her unborn baby. This is known as Rh incompatibility. It causes the mother's immune system to attack the baby's red blood cells. Most pregnant women are tested for Rh incompatibility as part of routine prenatal screening.
