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What is RBC in Blood Test: Meaning, Range and Test Process

What Is RBC in a Blood Test?

Why is the RBC Count Test Necessary?

When Should I Get the RBC Test?

What is the Procedure for the RBC Test?

How Should You Prepare for the RBC Test?

How is RBC Measured in Blood Tests?

How to Read Results of RBC in a Blood Test?

Normal Range of RBC in a Blood Test

The normal red blood cell count for men is 4.7 - 6.1 million RBCs per microliter of blood. Further, for women, the normal RBC count is 4.0 - 5.5 million RBCs per microliter of blood. The table below shows the normal range of RBC count for different age groups and gender:

Age Normal RBC Range in Million Cells/µL
Adult (female) 4.0 - 5.5
Adult (male) 4.7 - 6.1
Child (1-18 years) 4.0 - 5.5
Infant (6-12 months) 3.5 - 5.2
Infant (2-6 months) 3.5 - 5.5
Infant (2-8 weeks) 4.0 - 6.0
Newborn 4.8 - 7.1

Symptoms of High RBC

A high RBC count, known as polycythemia, can lead to various symptoms that may affect your overall health. These symptoms arise from the increased thickness of the blood, which can impact circulation.

Symptoms Description
Headaches Frequent or severe headaches may occur due to increased blood viscosity.
Dizziness Feeling lightheaded or dizzy is common, as thicker blood can reduce oxygen flow.
High Blood Pressure Elevated RBC levels can lead to increased blood pressure, straining the heart.
Blurred Vision Vision may become blurred as thicker blood affects circulation to the eyes.
Fatigue Despite higher RBC levels, oxygen delivery can be inefficient, causing tiredness.
Nosebleeds Increased blood pressure from a high RBC count may result in frequent nosebleeds.
Joint Pain Thicker blood can cause joint pain or discomfort, often in the hands or feet.

These symptoms indicate that a high RBC count might affect your body's ability to function normally. If you experience any of these, consulting with a healthcare provider is important.

What If RBC in the Blood is High?

What are the Causes of High RBC?

High RBC counts, known as erythrocytosis or polycythemia, can be caused by various factors. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for appropriate treatment and management.

Causes Description
Chronic Lung Diseases Conditions like chronic bronchitis or emphysema can cause increased RBC production due to lower oxygen levels.
Heart Disease Heart conditions that reduce oxygen delivery to tissues can trigger higher RBC production as a compensatory mechanism.
Polycythemia Vera A rare bone marrow disorder where the body produces too many RBCs, often leading to increased blood viscosity.
Dehydration Reduced blood plasma volume due to dehydration can concentrate RBCs, falsely elevating the count.
Living at High Altitudes Reduced oxygen availability at high altitudes stimulates increased RBC production to improve oxygen transport.
Kidney Tumours or Diseases Certain kidney conditions can lead to increased production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates RBC production.

How to Increase RBC Count?

Symptoms of Low RBC

Low RBC count, or anaemia, can lead to symptoms due to reduced oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues. Recognising these symptoms can help in seeking timely medical attention.

Fatigue Feeling unusually tired or weak, even after rest.
Paleness Noticeable paleness of the skin or mucous membranes.
Shortness of Breath Difficulty breathing or feeling out of breath with minimal exertion.
Dizziness Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, sometimes leading to fainting.
Cold Hands and Feet Experiencing unusually cold or numb extremities.
Headaches Frequent or severe headaches due to less oxygen reaching the brain.
Rapid Heartbeat Increased heart rate or palpitations as the heart works harder to compensate.

What If RBC in the Blood is Low?

What are the Causes of Low RBC?

Low RBC count, or anaemia, can result from various underlying conditions or factors. Identifying the cause is essential for effective treatment and management.

Causes Description
Iron Deficiency Inadequate iron levels lead to reduced RBC production.
Vitamin Deficiency Lack of vitamins B12 or folate impairs RBC formation.
Chronic Disease Conditions like chronic kidney disease can lower RBC count.
Blood Loss Excessive bleeding from injury or conditions like ulcers reduces RBC levels.
Bone Marrow Disorders Diseases affecting the bone marrow, such as leukaemia, can decrease RBC production.
Hemolysis Destruction of RBCs due to conditions like sickle cell disease or autoimmune disorders.

How to Decrease RBC Count?

Other Factors that Influence RBC Levels

FAQs about RBC in Blood Tests