RBC(Red Blood cell) count test is performed to measure RBC count in blood to diagnose anemia and many other health problems. This test can performed as part of CBC test or it can performed separately. RBC contains haemoglobin which is most essential to carry oxygen to our body cells.
To perform this test blood sample is required and their is nothing to do special before this test. One can give sample anytime.
What is purpose of RBC test
Generally purpose of RBC test to to diagnose anemia and other reason affecting red blood cells. Apart from this this test is also part of CBC test and RBC count used in diagnosis of following
- Disease that damages kidney blood vessels (Alport syndrome)
- White blood cell cancer (macroglobulinemia of Waldenstrom)
- Disorder in which red blood cells break down earlier than normal (paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria)
- Bone marrow disorder in which the marrow is replaced by scar tissue (myelofibrosis)
Normal Range of RBC
- Female: 4.2 to 5.4 million cells/mcL
- Male: 4.7 to 6.1 million cells per microliter (cells/mcL)
Normal range can be different in different labs and testing method. Only doctors can related results.
Reasons of Low RBC
Low RBC or Hematacrit is a sign of anemia, which may be a result from following
- Poor diet and nutrition, causing too little iron, folate, vitamin B12, or vitamin B6
- Multiple myeloma
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematous or rheumatoid arthritis
- Haemolysis (red blood cell destruction)
- Leukaemia and other blood cancers
- Blood loss (haemorrhage)
- Bone marrow failure (for example, from radiation, infection, or tumor)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Long-term infections such as hepatitis
Reasons of High RBC
- Low oxygen level in the blood for a long time due to heart or lung disease
- Polycythaemia vera
- Smoking
- Dehydration (such as from severe diarrhea)
- Kidney disease with high erythropoietin production