Quick Guide: Red blood cell (RBC) count Blood Test
What it is: A red blood cell (RBC) count measures the number of red blood cells in a blood sample, typically as part of a complete blood count.
Why it's ordered: Ordered alongside a CBC to help diagnose anemia or polycythemia, or to evaluate symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, or shortness of breath.
What it detects: A low RBC count generally reflects anemia from blood loss, nutritional deficiency, or bone marrow problems; a high count can reflect dehydration, lung or heart disease, or a bone marrow disorder that overproduces red cells.
Collection & prep: A standard blood draw from a vein in the arm, as part of a CBC. No special preparation is required.
Results:
Low – suggests anemia; interpreted alongside hemoglobin, hematocrit, and MCV to narrow the cause
High – suggests dehydration or excess red blood cell production
Possible complications of an abnormal count: RBC count is rarely interpreted alone — it's combined with hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red cell indices (like MCV) to characterize and narrow down the type of anemia or other condition present.
Quick Guide: Red blood cell (RBC) count Blood Test
What it is: A red blood cell (RBC) count measures the number of red blood cells in a blood sample, typically as part of a complete blood count.
Why it's ordered: Ordered alongside a CBC to help diagnose anemia or polycythemia, or to evaluate symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, or shortness of breath.
What it detects: A low RBC count generally reflects anemia from blood loss, nutritional deficiency, or bone marrow problems; a high count can reflect dehydration, lung or heart disease, or a bone marrow disorder that overproduces red cells.
Collection & prep: A standard blood draw from a vein in the arm, as part of a CBC. No special preparation is required.
Results:
Low – suggests anemia; interpreted alongside hemoglobin, hematocrit, and MCV to narrow the cause
High – suggests dehydration or excess red blood cell production
Possible complications of an abnormal count: RBC count is rarely interpreted alone — it's combined with hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red cell indices (like MCV) to characterize and narrow down the type of anemia or other condition present.
Statements made in the Clinical Manual have not been evaluated by the FDA. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
