Reticulocyte Count

This test measures reticulocytes, the immature red blood cells your bone marrow releases, to help assess anaemia or monitor recovery after treatment. It suits people with unexplained anaemia or those monitoring iron, B12 or folate therapy.

Sample: Blood
Collection: Venous draw at clinic or nurse visit
Results in: 1 day
Biomarkers: 1

Tests for

Reticulocyte Count

Compare Health Test Score Single-marker anaemia check priced slightly above typical

£145.00

Buy now — £145.00

We may receive a commission on purchases. Prices are updated regularly but may vary.

Test specifications

Provider: Better2Know
Sample type: blood
Collection method: venous draw at clinic or nurse visit
Turnaround time: 1 day
Biomarkers tested: 1
At-home test: No
Doctor reviewed: No
Gender focus: Both

What's tested

1 biomarker as listed by Better2Know.

Red blood cells

Reticulocyte Count

About this test

This test counts reticulocytes, the newly released immature red blood cells that indicate how actively your bone marrow is producing new cells. It is commonly used to help investigate unexplained anaemia or low haemoglobin, or to monitor how well the body is responding to treatments such as iron, vitamin B12 or folate supplementation.

As a single-marker test it sits towards the lower end of the general wellness tests we track by clinical depth, which follows from testing one thing rather than a panel. Better2Know does not report a comparison group of directly equivalent products for this test, so we cannot compare it with named alternatives, but at £145 it costs around 19% more than the £122 median for similarly sized general wellness tests we track.

It scores well for clarity and documentation, with a clear explanation of what reticulocytes are and why the test might be used, and reasonably for Collection Convenience since a home nurse visit is offered alongside the clinic option. Its value for money reflects the moderate premium over the category median, and it scores lower on Results and Follow-up because a doctor does not review results as standard.

Who is it for?

This suits you if you have unexplained fatigue, pale or jaundiced skin, or other symptoms of anaemia and your doctor wants to understand whether it stems from reduced red blood cell production or increased loss, or if you are monitoring the effect of iron, B12 or folate treatment. It is also relevant if you are recovering from significant blood loss or bone marrow suppression.

Better2Know does not list a comparison group for this test, so we cannot point to a specific cheaper or deeper named alternative from the data we hold. If you need a broader anaemia work-up rather than this one marker, it is worth checking whether a fuller blood panel would serve you better.

How it works

A trained clinician takes a venous blood sample, either at a clinic or during a home nurse visit. The sample is analysed in the laboratory to count reticulocytes, with results usually available within a few days, published to your secure online patient area, and Better2Know's Patient Services team notifying you once they are ready. Results are not reviewed by a doctor as standard.

Pros & cons

Pros

Offers a home nurse visit as an alternative to a clinic appointment.
Clear explanation of what reticulocytes measure and why the test is used.
Results reach a secure online patient area with proactive notification.

Cons

At £145, it costs around 19% more than the £122 median for comparable general wellness tests.
Only measures one marker, so it will not explain the cause of anaemia on its own.
Results are not reviewed by a doctor as standard.

Our editorial score

Compare Health Test Score Single-marker anaemia check priced slightly above typical

Editorial confidence: 9.0/10

This single-marker Reticulocyte Count costs £145, around 19% above the £122 median for similarly sized general wellness tests we track. It requires a venous blood sample at a clinic or during a home nurse visit, with results usually within a few days, but a doctor does not review results as standard. Better2Know does not list a comparison group of directly equivalent products for this test.

Score breakdown

Clarity and documentation 9.0/10

The listing publishes a detailed description, the full biomarker list, a stated turnaround, clear collection options, the sample type; it does not state what the report looks like.
Clinical depth 5.0/10

1 biomarkers, placing it in the 8th percentile of general wellness tests we track.
Collection convenience 6.0/10

Requires a venous draw at a clinic; a home nurse visit is offered; results in around 1 days, well ahead of the general wellness norm of 3.
Results and follow-up 3.0/10

Results are not doctor-reviewed and no consultation is included; the provider does not describe the report format.
Trust signals 6.5/10

Trustpilot 4.2 from 775 reviews; CQC registered; trading 18+ years.
Value for money 5.6/10

£145.00 against a median of £122.00 for the 18 similarly sized general wellness tests we track (+19%).

Calculated 13 September 2026 from the facts we hold about this test and provider, using our published scoring formula. Scores are not hand-edited.

Medichecks

Health and Lifestyle Blood Test

19-marker health check, priced above some 20-marker rivals

A 19-marker blood test covering cholesterol, liver and kidney function, inflammation and key vitamins, aimed at general health screening or tracking the effect of diet and exercise changes. Includes an at-home finger-prick option.

At-home test

Medichecks

Essential Blood Test

Cheapest test in its 26-50 marker comparison group

This blood test covers 38 markers across cholesterol, blood sugar, iron, kidney and liver function, key proteins, and full blood count, giving a broad snapshot of general health. It suits people who want a wide baseline health check rather than looking at one specific concern.

Blue Horizon Medicals

Fingerprick Wellwoman

Broad women's health panel priced below its group median

A general blood health check for women covering cholesterol, liver, kidney, thyroid, diabetes and iron status, plus an added Ca125 marker. It suits women wanting a broad baseline check rather than a single-marker test.

At-home test