An increase in absolute reticulocytes indicates a strong bone marrow hematopoietic function, combined with both erythrocytes and hemoglobin, in that a decrease in erythrocytes and hemoglobin indicates the presence of anemia in the patient. An increase in the absolute value of reticulocytes at this time indicates good bone marrow hematopoiesis, which is commonly seen in proliferative anemias, such as iron deficiency anemia, megaloblastic anemia and hemolytic anemia. In such cases, the absolute reticulocyte values are all increased. The absolute reticulocyte value may also be increased if the disease is successfully treated in part.