RED BLOOD CELLS

RBCS COUNT

• A blood test that measures how many red blood cells you have.
• RBCs contain hemoglobin, which contain oxygen.
• You will need a blood sample to test.
• Really do not need to prepare for the test.

Fun Fact
You have to have your hemoglobin levels checked before you give blood.

The RBC count is almost always part of the CBC (complete blood count) test.
It can also help diagnose different kinds of diseases and other conditions affecting the red blood cells.

TEST CAN FIND

• Disease that damages kidney blood vessels
• White blood cancer
• Disorder in which red blood cells can break down earlier than normal
• Bone marrow disorder in which the marrow is replaced by scar tissue
• How much RBCs you have in a microliter

NORMAL RANGE

• Male- 4.7 to 6.1 million cells per microliter
• Female- 4.2 to 5.4 million cells per microliter

HIGHER THAN NORMAL

• Smoking cigarettes
• Problem with heart's structure and function that is present at birth
• Low blood oxygen level
• Failure of the right side of the heart
• Dehydration

LOWER THAN NORMAL

• Bleeding
• Bone marrow failure
• Leukemia
• Pregnancy
• Bone marrow cancer

Chemotherapy treatments can also cause a low RBCs count.

RISKS AFTER TEST

• Excessive bleeding
• Fainting or feeling light-headed
• Infection
• Tiredness

THE END