The number of red blood cells (RBCs) is used to measure the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells in the blood volume. It is one of the most important steps we take to determine how much oxygen is being sent to the body's cells.


An abnormal RBC count is usually the first sign of a disease that may be undiagnosed or symptomatic. In some cases, the test may refer the doctor to a diagnosis if there are symptoms, such as shortness of breath or fatigue, which are not easily explained.



Complete Blood Count

In general, RBC counts do not help much to determine your own medical condition. Instead, it is usually performed as part of a comprehensive test called a total cell count (CBC) that measures the number of cells formed in a blood sample. Includes:

  • Red blood cells (RBCs) carry oxygen to the body's cells
  • White blood cells (WBC), which are part of the immune system
  • Hemoglobin (Hb), a protein that contains molecules of oxygen and carbon dioxide
  • Platelets (PLT), cells responsible for blood clotting
  • Hematocrit (Hct), a measure of RBC in total blood volume
Depending on the structure of blood cells, doctors may be better able to determine where to focus their research and what areas to avoid.

The RBC number can also be used to monitor the treatment of blood disorders or medications affecting your RBC. This is especially true of cancer and chemotherapy, both of which can have a detrimental effect on blood counts.

Normal Range

An RBC count is a red blood cell count for a specific blood volume. It can be reported in millions of cells per microliter (mcL) of blood or in millions of cells per liter (L) of blood.

The "normal" distance can sometimes vary in number of people. Most reference prices will be higher in cities as high as Denver and as low as in low-lying areas such as the Gulf Coast. Thus, distances are not regarded as difficult and quick numbers but, as the name suggests, a point of reference.

The RBC count reference range varies by sex and age:

  • Women: 4.2 to 5.4 million/mcL
  • Men: 4.7 to 6.1 million/mcL
  • Children: 4.1 to 5.5 million/mcL

High or Low RBC Counts 

When the RBC count is high or below the reference range, it warns the physician that there may be a risk. Other prices from CBC will be considered, as well as other diagnostic tests.

High RBC Count Causes

The high RBC figure tells us that there has been an increase in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. In some cases, this may indicate that the body is compensating for a particular condition that deprives the body of oxygen, for the cause may be related to diseases or drugs that alter the production of RBCs.

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BLOOD PROBLEMS
Understanding Red Blood Cell Rate (RBC)
By Amber J. Tresca Reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD July 22, 2020
Table of ContentsContent List
Complete Blood Counting
General grades
High and Low Statistics
Treatment
The number of red blood cells (RBCs) is used to measure the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells in the blood volume. It is one of the most important steps we take to determine how much oxygen is being sent to the body's cells.

An abnormal RBC count is usually the first sign of a disease that may be undiagnosed or symptomatic. In some cases, the test may refer the doctor to a diagnosis if there are symptoms, such as shortness of breath or fatigue, which are not easily explained.

Red cell count
I'm fine
Complete Blood Counting
In general, RBC counts do not help much to determine your own medical condition. Instead, it is usually performed as part of a comprehensive test called a total cell count (CBC) that measures the number of cells formed in a blood sample. Including: 1


Red blood cells (RBCs) carry oxygen to the body's cells
White blood cells (WBC), which are part of the immune system
Hemoglobin (Hb), a protein that contains molecules of oxygen and carbon dioxide
Platelets (PLT), cells responsible for blood clotting
Hematocrit (Hct), a measure of RBC in total blood volume
Depending on the structure of blood cells, doctors may be better able to determine where to focus their research and what areas to avoid.


The RBC number can also be used to monitor the treatment of blood disorders or medications affecting your RBC. This is especially true of cancer and cancer chemically, both of which can have a detrimental effect on the results and results of blood counts.

 Total Blood Number
General grades
An RBC count is a red blood cell count for a specific blood volume. It can be reported in millions of cells per microliter (mcL) of blood or in millions of cells per liter (L) of blood.

The "normal" distance can sometimes vary in number of people. Most reference prices will be higher in cities as high as Denver and as low as in low-lying areas such as the Gulf Coast. Thus, distances are not regarded as difficult and quick numbers but, as the name suggests, a point of reference.

The reference range for the RBC census varies by gender and age:

Women: 4.2 to 5.4 million / mcL
Men: 4.7 to 6.1 million / mcL
Children: 4.1 to 5.5 million / mcL2
High or low RBC counts
When the RBC count is high or below the reference range, it warns the physician that there may be a risk. Other prices from CBC will be considered, as well as other diagnostic tests.

Causes of RBC Higher Calculation
The high RBC figure tells us that there has been an increase in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. In some cases, this may indicate that the body is compensating for a particular condition that deprives the body of oxygen, 2 in other cases, the cause may be related to diseases or drugs that alter the production of RBCs.

  • Congenital heart disease
  • Heart failure
  • Chronic pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Pulmonary fibrosis, usually due to smoking
  • Polycythemia vera, a bone marrow transplant
  • Abuse of performance-enhancing drugs that promote RBC production, such as anabolic steroids or erythropoietin
  • Renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer
  • Dehydration

Low RBC Count Causes

A low RBC count indicates a decrease in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood, also called anemia. The causes can be many, from infection and deficiency to malnutrition, including:
  • Kidney failure
  • Thyroid problems
  • Bleeding, internal or external
  • Leukemia, a type of blood cancer
  • Side effects of the drug, including chemotherapy
  • Multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that affects plasma cells
  • Deficiency of Erythropoietin, a kidney hormone that promotes RBC growth
  • Iron deficiency, folate, vitamin B12, or vitamin B6
  • Hemolysis, a rare breakdown of red blood cells
  • Pregnancy

Treatment

Treatment for a rare RBC figure is focused on treating the underlying condition, whether it is infection, injury, cancer or genetic disease.

If, on the other hand, the cause is related to a lack of healthy food, medication, or an incurable condition, there may be things you can do to improve not only your blood count but also your overall health.

High RBC Count Treatment

If you have a high RBC count:

  • Exercise to improve heart and lung function.
  • Eat red meat and iron-rich foods.
  • Avoid iron ingredients.
  • Keep plenty of water.
  • Avoid constipation, including coffee and caffeinated beverages.
  • Stop smoking, especially if you have COPD or pulmonary fibrosis.
  • Avoid using steroids, erythropoietin, and other performance-enhancing drugs.

Low RBC Count Treatment

If you have a low RBC count (including anemia):

  • Maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
  • Take vitamin and iron supplements daily, if needed.
  • Exercise regularly to improve cardiovascular function.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Avoid aspirin, which lowers clots and can cause chronic blood loss.
  • Take your thyroid medication as prescribed if you have thyroid problems.