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Reticulocyte haemoglobin

Other blood cell tests · also printed as Ret-He, RET-He, Reticulocyte Hb, CHr, Reticulocyte haemoglobin content

Typical UK adult range28 pg and above

Above 28 pg is typical on most analysers.

What this test measures

Reticulocyte haemoglobin measures how much haemoglobin has gone into the newest red cells. Because these cells are only a day or two old, it shows whether iron is available to the bone marrow right now.

Why doctors request it

Used in kidney and haematology clinics to judge iron availability when ferritin is unreliable.

What commonly pushes it up

Good iron availability
Some inherited red cell conditions where cells are larger

What commonly pushes it down

Iron deficiency, before the main haemoglobin falls
Thalassaemia trait

Everyday reasons for a value outside the range

Ranges differ between analysers
Thalassaemia trait lowers it without iron deficiency

About the sample

No fasting needed.

Written by a UK consultant physician. Typical UK adult reference ranges; your laboratory's own printed range takes precedence.

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This is an educational summary of results you uploaded. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not replace the doctor who requested the test. If you are worried, or a result is marked outside range, discuss it with your doctor. Written and reviewed by a UK consultant physician. Reference ranges vary between laboratories.