Indicator Explainer
Reticulocyte
Immature erythrocytes that have just undergone extrusion of their cell nucleus. They still contain some organelles that gradually decrease in number as the cells mature.
This page explains what the indicator is and how results are interpreted in general terms. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the method, and your own situation — no single “normal value” applies to everyone. This page is health information, not a diagnosis. For symptoms, treatment, or urgent concerns, contact a healthcare professional.
When it is tested
Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C12528. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0. Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-18. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Reading results
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.
Also Known As
References
- NCI Thesaurus 26.09d — Reticulocyte (C12528)
- Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C12528. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0.
- Reticulocyte Hemoglobin Use for Prediction of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy. — Am J Perinatol, 2026-09-16 (PMID 42748972; literature)
- Iron-Clad Care for Neonates: Precision Iron Supplementation Using Reticulocyte Hemoglobin Values, a Quality Improvement Project. — Adv Neonatal Care, 2026-09-15 (PMID 42766924; literature)
- Differential diagnosis of microcytic hypochromic anemia in dogs: the role of hepcidin and reticulocyte hemoglobin indices. — Vet Res Commun, 2026-09-12 (PMID 42728486; literature)