Does high reticulocyte count mean sickle cell crisis?

Need trend....: A high reticulocyte count means your body is revved up to make red blood cells. Tracking this number for someone with a hemolytic anemia is sometimes very useful to know what is going on. Every person is different, so knowing what the reticulocyte count is during healthy times is essential to know how to interpret it when the person may be in crisis.

Not necessarily....: Patients with sickle cell disease have elevated reticulocyte counts at baseline, as their red cells have significantly reduced half lives relative to normal rbcs. More rapid red cell synthesis, reflected by the high retic count, is needed to maintain steady state, albeit lower than normal. Are you having other symptoms suggesting vaso occlusive crisis? If so, you should seek medical attention.