The reticulocyte count is a good index of erythropoietic activity. Aut
omated methods, mainly flow cytometry, have made the counting easier,
more accurate and reproducible. The data presented describe the counti
ng of reticulocytes in 1219 apparently healthy subjects of both sexes
who came for a periodic health examination. Their ages varied from 4 t
o over 60 years. The reticulocytes were counted with a flow cytometer
(Sysmex R-3000) with Auramine-O as fluorochrome. There was no statisti
cal difference between boys and girls aged 4-19 years. However, the re
ticulocyte count was significantly higher in men than in women over 20
years of age. The reticulocyte count was affected neither by the mens
trual cycle in girls at puberty, nor by oral contraceptives and the me
nopause in women. No effect of moderate smoking was observed in either
sex. Reference limits of the reticulocyte counts (percentage and abso
lute value) according to age and sex and of the three types of reticul
ocytes are provided.