Test your
Immature Reticulocyte Fraction (IRF)
Looking for an easy way to test and monitor your Immature Reticulocyte Fraction (IRF)?
It's included in the HealthieOne Complete test.
Immature Reticulocyte Fraction (IRF)
Explanation: Immature Reticulocyte Fraction (IRF) measures the percentage of young reticulocytes (immature red blood cells) in the bloodstream. These cells are newly released from the bone marrow and indicate how actively the body is producing new red blood cells (RBCs). A high IRF suggests an increased demand for RBC production, while a low IRF may indicate bone marrow suppression from something like anemia due to low nutrients or bone marrow problems, or reduced RBC production.
Test purpose: An IRF test helps assess:
- Bone marrow activity, especially in response to anemia, blood loss, or recovery from bone marrow suppression.
- Types of anemia, distinguishing between nutritional deficiencies (iron, B12, folate) and bone marrow failure.
- Effectiveness of anemia treatment, such as iron therapy, erythropoietin therapy, or transfusions.
- Bone marrow recovery after transplantation or severe illness.
Other information about this test: Mayo Clinic, Oregon Health & Science University
An aspect of Blood Health .