The RBC test is a test whose purpose is to calculate the number of red blood cells, i.e. the RBC (Red Blood Cells). The assessment of the RBC count is one of the basic parameters in the complete blood count. The RBC count should be within the appropriate reference range, therefore both too high and too low an RBC count will indicate pathology. In addition to the RBC count, the laboratory also assesses the shape, size and color of blood cells.

The RBC testis a test designed to calculate the number of red blood cells (RBC for short). The RBC count is one of the basic parameters in the study of peripheral blood counts.

RBC value should always be interpreted together with:

  • hematocrit (Ht)
  • red blood cell volume (MCV)
  • blood hemoglobin concentration (MCH, MCHC)
  • blood cell volume distribution variability index (RDW-CV)

These indicators together with the RBC are called red cell parameters.

RBC research - indications

RBC count is available to every person who has he alth insurance and is commissioned at least once a year in the case of:

  • suspected anemia, symptoms of which include: chronic fatigue, pale skin and mucous membranes, hair loss
  • suspected iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid metabolism disorders
  • heavy periods
  • suspected hematological cancers, e.g. acute or chronic leukemias
  • suspected hypoxia
  • suspicion of taking anti-doping substances
  • frequent infections of the upper respiratory tract

RBC research - how to prepare for it?

The examined person should be fasting, i.e. 12-16 hours from the last meal.

RBC research - what is it?

The test requires venous blood taken from the elbow flexion for the basic anticoagulant, i.e. disodium edetate (EDTA). The test should be performed in the morning, preferably between 6:30 am and 9:00 am.

RBC count testing is most often performed using automated hematology analyzers that analyze the cellular composition of blood within minutes, giving the exact RBC count and other red cell parameters.

Important

RBC test - standards

Laboratory norms for RBCs are dependent on age and gender. For women, the RBC count should be in the range of 3,500,000 - 5,200,000 / μl (3.5 - 5.2 T / l), and for men it should be in the range of 4,200,000 - 5,400,000 / μl (3.2 - 5.4 T / l).

RBC counts in newborns are physiologically elevated, reaching even 6,500,000 / μl (6.5 T / l). In pregnant women, RBC counts may be lowered due to increased circulating blood volume.

Values ​​given by different laboratories may differ slightly from each other, therefore the result should always be related to that given by the laboratory performing the test.

  • PANCYTOPENIA - causes, symptoms and treatment
  • Reticulocytes: normal, too low and too high
  • PDW - Platelet Anisocytosis Index

RBC research - results. RBC lowered

A condition in which the RBC count is below normal is called erythrocytopenia. On the other hand, if the RBC number is above the norm, it is called erythrocytosis.

The reduced RBC count appears in:

  • anemia
  • overdriven
  • pregnancy
  • haemorrhages or bleeding, e.g. heavy periods, stomach ulcers
  • thyroid disease
  • diseases related to bone marrow failure, e.g. myelofibrosis
  • erythropoietin deficiencies associated with chronic kidney disease
  • hemolysis, or accelerated breakdown of blood cells
  • hematological cancers, e.g. acute leukemias
  • taking certain medications, e.g. chloramphenicol, quinidine

RBC research - results. Elevated RBC

Increased RBC count appears in:

  • dehydration
  • hematological neoplasms, e.g. polycythemia vera
  • Congenital Heart Defects
  • excess erythropoietin, which accompanies certain kidney diseases
  • respiratory diseases, e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis
  • taking certain medications, e.g. methyldopa, gentamicin

An increased number of RBCs does not always mean pathology and in some situations may be due to a chronic increase in the body's need for oxygen as a result of:

  • hard physical work
  • staying in high mountain conditions (above 2500 m above sea level)
  • engaging in intense sports
  • smoking

RBC in urine

The presence of RBC in the urine can be determined by performing a urinalysis. Physiologically, RBCs should not be found in the urine, as this is prevented by a tight barrier inglomeruli.The laboratory standard allows 3 to 4 RBCs in the field of view. However, when their number is greater, it may indicate bleeding into the urinary tract due to kidney damage, nephrolithiasis, urinary tract infections or cancer.Worth knowing

Red blood cells (RBC) are the most abundant blood cells that are formed in the bone marrow during the process of erythropoiesis. It is estimated that over 2 million RBCs are formed in the marrow in one second.

The blood cells have the shape of a biconcave disk with a diameter of 7.5 μm. RBC production is stimulated by erythropoietin, the main source of which is the kidneys. For the proper development of RBCs, micronutrients are necessary, among others. iron, copper, vitamin B12, folic acid. After 120 days, the "used" blood cells complete their life cycle in the spleen.

The main task of the RBC is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. This transport is possible due to the content of hemoglobin in the RBC, which, due to the heme content, can reversibly bind oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules. Hem is also the dye that gives the RBC its bright red color.

Their characteristic feature is the lack of a cell nucleus, which normally occurs in every cell of the body. This is to increase the oxygen uptake surface and minimize the metabolism of the blood cell, thus reducing its oxygen demand.

About the authorKarolina Karabin, MD, PhD, molecular biologist, laboratory diagnostician, Cambridge Diagnostics Polska A biologist by profession, specializing in microbiology, and a laboratory diagnostician with over 10 years of experience in laboratory work. A graduate of the College of Molecular Medicine and a member of the Polish Society of Human Genetics. Head of research grants at the Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics at the Department of Hematology, Oncology and Internal Diseases of the Medical University of Warsaw. She defended the title of doctor of medical sciences in the field of medical biology at the 1st Faculty of Medicine of the Medical University of Warsaw. Author of many scientific and popular science works in the field of laboratory diagnostics, molecular biology and nutrition. On a daily basis, as a specialist in the field of laboratory diagnostics, he runs the content department at Cambridge Diagnostics Polska and cooperates with a team of nutritionists at the CD Dietary Clinic. He shares his practical knowledge on diagnostics and diet therapy of diseases with specialists at conferences, training sessions, and in magazines and websites. She is particularly interested in the influence of modern lifestyle on molecular processes in the body.

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