Reticulocyte Index - Interpretation

Interpretation

• The reticulocyte index (RI) should be between 1.0% and 2.0% for a healthy individual.
• RI < 2% with anemia indicates loss of red blood cells, but decreased production of reticulocytes (ie, and inadequate response to correct the anemia) and therefore red blood cells.
• RI > 3% with anemia indicates loss of red blood cells (from causes such as destruction, bleeding, etc.), with an increased compensatory production of reticulocytes to replace the lost red blood cells.

Interpretation of these values are not standard and vary based on specific laboratory values and clinical context.