Procrit is an effective way of raising hemoglobins. One can always request a reticulocyte count. If the retic count increases their is soon to be an increased red blood cell count.
Note the following from Wikipedia:
The normal range of values for reticulocytes in the blood depends on the clinical situation and the lab, but broadly speaking is 0.5% to 1.5%. However, if a person has
anaemia, their reticulocyte percentage should be higher than "normal" if the bone marrow's ability to produce new blood cells remains intact.
Reticulocyte - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Take care.