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A red blood cell count (RBC) determines the number, shape, and size of red blood cells in a blood sample. Normal ranges vary by age and gender. A low count may indicate anemia, while a high count may indicate heart, lung, or kidney problems. The test is part of a complete blood count and is important for tracking chronic conditions. Blood is drawn from a vein, and there are minimal risks. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body’s tissues, making the test crucial for maintaining good health.
A red blood cell count (RBC) is a blood test that determines the number of red blood cells, or erythrocytes, in a blood sample. This test also evaluates the shape and size of red blood cells. All of this information is then used to determine the number of red blood cells per microliter of blood.
Red blood cell count values vary based on a patient’s age and gender. Red blood cell counts range from 4.2-5.0 million red blood cells per microliter of blood for women and 4.6-6.0 million for men. A normal red blood cell count for children is typically between 3.8 and 5.5 million red blood cells per volume.
This blood test is considered to be a very important indicator of a patient’s health. A low cell count could mean the patient has anemia, acute or chronic blood loss, malnutrition, chronic inflammation, or a range of nutritional deficiencies including iron, copper, vitamin B-12, or vitamin B-6. On the other hand, an above-average red blood cell count, called polycythemia, can be a sign of congenital heart disease, pulmonary fibrosis, or kidney problems. However, an increase in red blood cells can also occur naturally. People who live at high altitudes tend to have higher than average red blood cell counts, and smokers generally have higher red blood cell counts than non-smokers.
A red blood cell count is almost always ordered as part of the complete blood count (CBC), which determines the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This blood test is usually also requested for routine visits and pre-surgical procedures. Patients with chronic anemia, hematologic disorders, or chronic bleeding problems have their red blood cell counts tested often enough so that their doctors can keep track of any significant increases or decreases in red blood cells.
To obtain the sample needed for a red blood cell count, a patient’s blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or on the back of the hand. There are only slight physical risks to taking this blood test. The most common minor risks are feeling light-headed, fainting, and suffering from multiple punctures to locate a good vein.
Red blood cells are the most common type of cell in the blood and are extremely important because they carry oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues. The amount of oxygen that the body’s tissues receive depends on how many red blood cells an individual has and how well they work. Therefore, a routine blood test to determine the red blood cell count can help an individual stay healthy.
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