What is a red blood cell (RBC) count test?

RBC test or red blood cell count is a blood test that a doctor uses to check the number of red blood cells (RBC) in the blood.

This test is also known as red blood cell count.

RBC test or red blood cell count

The red blood cell count is important to the RBC test because RBCs contain hemoglobin and carry oxygen to body tissues....The red blood cell count can affect the amount of oxygen received by the tissue....tissues need oxygen to function.... (read about important types of blood tests)

Symptoms Number Abnormal

If your red blood cell count is too high or too low, you may experience symptoms and complications.

If the RBC count is low, symptoms can include:

Fatigue
increased heart rate
Headache
Pale skin

If the RBC count is high, the following symptoms are likely:

Fatigue
sensitivity in the palms or soles of the feet
Sleep disorders

If these symptoms occur, the doctor may prescribe an RBC test.

Why need an RBC test?

According to the American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC), the RBC test is almost always part of a complete blood count (CBC)... The CBC test measures the amount of all blood components, including:

red blood cells
white blood cells
hemoglobin
Platelets

Hematocrit includes the volume of red blood cells in the body. The hematocrit test measures the ratio of RBCs in the blood.

Learn more: RDW in blood test

Platelets are small cells that circulate in the blood and help form blood clots.. Clots heal wounds and prevent excessive bleeding.

Your doctor may order this test if you suspect a condition that affects your red blood cells or if you have symptoms related to a lack of oxygen in your blood. These symptoms include:

Change in skin color to a bluish color
confusion
Irritability and restlessness
Irregular breathing

A CBC test is often part of a routine physical exam and can be an indicator of your overall health. It may also be done before surgery.

If you have a diagnosed blood disorder that may affect your red blood cell count, or are taking medications that affect your red blood cell count, your doctor may order this test to monitor your condition or recovery. Doctors can use the CBC test to monitor conditions such as leukemia and blood infections.

How is the RBC (red blood cell count) test done?

The RBC test is a simple blood test done in the doctor's office.. Your doctor draws blood from a vein, usually in the inner arm... The steps involved in drawing blood are:

The staff of the health center disinfects the place where the needle is inserted.
An elastic band is placed around your arm to inflate your vein with blood.
A needle is gently inserted into your vein and the blood is collected in a vial or tube.
The needle is then withdrawn and the elastic band is removed from your arm.
Your healthcare provider will send your blood sample to a lab for analysis.

How should prepare for the RBC test?

Usually, no special preparation is required to perform this test... But you should tell your doctor if you're taking certain medications, including any over-the-counter (OTC) medications or supplements.

Your doctor will advise you on other necessary precautions.

What are the risks of RBC testing?

As with all blood tests, there is a risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection at the needle insertion site. When the needle goes into your arm, you may feel moderate pain or a sharp burning sensation.

Range Number RBC How much is normal?

According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society report:

The normal RBC range for men is 4.7 to 6.1 million cells per microliter (mcL). The normal RBC range for women who are not pregnant is 4.2 to 5.4 million mcL. The normal RBC range for children is 4.0 to 5.5 million mcL.
This range may vary depending on the laboratory or doctor.

count higher than limited natural to what to do That is?

If the number of red blood cells in the RBC test is higher than normal, this condition is called erythrocytosis... This condition may occur due to:
- smoking
- Dehydration
When you go to high altitudes, your red blood cell count may increase for a few weeks because there is less oxygen in the air.

Certain drugs such as gentamicin and methyldopa can increase your red blood cell count. Gentamicin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in the blood.

Methyldopa is often used to treat high blood pressure.... This drug dilates blood vessels and allows blood to flow more easily in the body.... Be sure to inform your doctor about any medication you are taking.

A high RBC count may be the result of sleep apnea, pulmonary fibrosis, or other conditions that cause a lack of oxygen in the blood.

Performance-enhancing drugs such as protein infusions and anabolic steroids may also increase RBCs... Kidney diseases and cancers can also increase RBCs.

See more: List of Hematologists

number less than limited natural to what it does That is?

A lower than normal RBC count may be caused by:
- anemia Bone marrow failure
- Erythropoietin deficiency, which is the main cause of anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease
- Leukemia
- Malnutrition
- Multiple myeloma (multiple myeloma), a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow
- Pregnancy
Some medicines can also lower the number of red blood cells, especially:
- Chemotherapy drugs Chloramphenicol, which treats bacterial infections
- Quinidine, which regulates heart rate
- Hydantoin, traditionally used to treat epilepsy and muscle spasms
blood red and cancer blood

Blood cancers can affect the production and function of red blood cells. These cancers can also lead to abnormal RBC levels.

Each leukemia has a unique effect on the number of red blood cells... The three main types of leukemia are:
- Leukemia, which impairs the bone marrow's ability to produce platelets and red blood cells
- Myeloma, which prevents normal antibody production
If the test results are abnormal what should I do Me?

Your doctor will discuss any abnormal results with you... Depending on the results, he may need to order additional tests.

Additional tests can include a blood smear, which is a film of your blood that is examined under a microscope. A blood smear can help diagnose blood cell abnormalities (such as sickle cell anemia), white blood cell disorders such as leukemia, and blood-borne parasites such as malaria.

Anemia is a disease in which the number of healthy red blood cells is not enough to carry oxygen to the body. The types of anemia are:
- Iron deficiency anemia is often easily treated
- Sickle cell anemia, which results in abnormal red blood cells and these abnormal cells are rapidly destroyed
- Vitamin deficiency anemia, often caused by low levels of vitamin B-12
All types of anemia need treatment.... People with anemia usually feel tired and weak.... They may also experience headaches, headaches, dizziness, and irregular heartbeats.

A bone marrow biopsy can show how different blood cells are made in the bone marrow. Diagnostic tests such as an ultrasound or electrocardiogram can check for conditions that affect kidney or heart function.

Change Style Life

Changes in lifestyle can affect your red blood cell count.... Some of these changes are:
- Maintaining a healthy diet and preventing vitamin deficiency
- Regular exercise, which requires the body to consume more oxygen
- Avoid aspirin
- Avoid smoking
You can lower your RBC by changing your lifestyle in the following ways:
- Reduce the amount of iron and red meat consumed
- Drink more water
- Avoid diuretics such as caffeinated drinks or alcohol
- Quit smoking
Change Diet Food

Dietary changes by increasing or decreasing the number of red blood cells can play an important role in home treatment.

You can increase your red blood cell count by making the following dietary changes:
- Increasing the consumption of iron-rich foods (such as meat, fish, chicken) as well as dry beans, peas and green leafy vegetables (such as spinach) in the diet
- Increase copper in your diet by consuming foods such as oysters, chicken and nuts
Source: Healthline
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