What is A Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count in Blood Test? What is High and Low RBC Value? Causes & Treatment?
- Health Garden
- Feb 24, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 16, 2024
A red blood cell (RBC) in blood test is a test that measures the number of red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes in your blood.
A red blood count (RBC) test is used to help diagnose red blood cell disorders such as anemia.
Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body. Your cells need oxygen to grow, reproduce and stay healthy.
A higher or lower than normal RBC count is often the first sign of a disease. This means testing may allow you to receive treatment even before your symptoms appear.
What is A Normal Red Blood Cell (RBC) Range in Blood Test ?
Normal RBC (Red Blood Cell) value is between 4.35 trillion and 5.65 trillion cells/L in adult men and 3.92 trillion to 5.13 trillion cells/L in adult women. Reference values may vary between laboratories. If you are looking for trends in your test results over time, it is important to try to use the same laboratory for testing.
Low or high erythrocyte level should be evaluated together with other parameters in complete blood count and additional tests. Erythrocyte count alone does not provide sufficient information to detect a specific disease. That's why it's important to have any medical test results evaluated by a doctor.
What is High Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count in Blood Test?
A high RBC (Red Blood Cell) value is more than 5.65 trillion cells/L for adult men and more than 5.13 trillion cells/L for adult women.
If the RBC value is high in the blood test, it means that the red blood cells are insufficient to carry out the oxygen - carbon dioxide cycle and the body increases the production of erythrocytes to carry enough oxygen to tissues and organs. This causes high RBC (Red Blood Cell) value in the blood.
What Causes High Red Blood Cell (RBC) in Blood Test?
Cardiovascular problems (congenital heart disease)
Lung disease (pulmonary fibrosis)
Kidney disorders
Polycythemia vera
Bone marrow diseases
Dehydration
Sleep apnea
Strenuous exercise
Hemoglobinopathy
Smoking
Being in high pressure places
Dehydration
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Intestinal obstruction
Use of medications containing cortisone
Side effects of some drugs used and doping use
High Red Blood Cell (RBC) Symptoms
Joint and chest pain
Blurred vision
Hypertension
Headache
Dizziness
Sleeping disorder
Tinnitus
Stomach ache
Muscle pain and itching
How to Treat High Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count?
Treatment for high RBC is based on the underlying cause and treatment is directed towards it.
When red blood cells are high due to dehydration, it can help replace lost fluids.
A healthy lifestyle, including quitting smoking and maintaining a moderate weight, may also help.
If you have polycythemia vera (a rare type of blood cancer), your doctor may prescribe a medicine called hydroxyurea. This slows down your body's production of red blood cells. Often people with polycythemia vera also undergo routine blood draws (therapeutic phlebotomy) to keep their red blood cell counts under control.
What is Low Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count in Blood Test?
A low RBC (Red Blood Cell) value in a blood test is less than 4.35 trillion cells/L for men and less than 3.92 trillion cells/L for women.
If your RBC test value is low, it means that not enough healthy red blood cells are being produced and indicates anemia.
This also means that the blood has a lower than normal hemoglobin (Hgb) level. It is interpreted with values such as erythrocyte (RBC) hemoglobin and hematocrit.
What Causes Low Red Blood Cell (RBC) in Blood Test?
Iron deficiency anemia
Bone marrow hypoplasia
Aplasia
Pancytopenia
Radiotherapy, chemotherapy
Blood loss
B12 and folate deficiency
Consuming more fluid than normal
Infections
Serious burns
Traumas
Bleeding in the gastrointestinal system.
Some drugs
Cancer
HIV
Low Red Blood Cell (RBC) Symptoms
• Fatigue and weakness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Get tired easily
• Low energy
• Irritability
• Difficulty breathing
• Headache and dizziness
• Severe chest pain
• Pale skin
• Cramps in the legs
• Insomnia
How to Treat Low RBC ?
Treatment for low RBC depends on the underlying cause.
Your doctor will give you advice about your diet and lifestyle.
Medication or blood transfusions may be recommended to raise your RBC levels.
What Do Erythrocytes in Urine Mean?
Seeing red blood cells in the urine means there is blood in the urine. The presence of blood in the urine is called hematuria in medicine.
Although seeing erythrocytes in the urine may seem scary, it is usually not life-threatening. Very little blood may be present in the urine and can only be diagnosed when viewed under a microscope. However, when it occurs, it is important to investigate the cause because it can sometimes occur due to some serious conditions.
Color change in urine may also occur due to consumption of some vitamin medications, carrots or citrus fruits. However, if there is visible bleeding in the urine, you should consult a doctor immediately. The cause of bleeding must be found and then treatment must be arranged.
It is quite normal to have 0-3 erythrocytes in the urine of a healthy person. However, if it is seen above, it would be beneficial to investigate the reason.
Reasons For Seeing Erythrocytes in Urine
Urinary tract inflammation
Infection in the bladder or kidney
Stones in kidneys
Bladder cancer
Kidney cancer
Glomerulonephritis
Kidney damage
Enlargement of the prostate
Prostate cancer
Urinary tract tumor
Some painkillers
Cancer drugs
Kidney diseases
Viral infections
Excessive exercise
Blood clots
What Do Erythrocytes in Stool Mean?
Erythrocytes found in the stool indicate an infection caused by parasites or bacteria, or bleeding due to intestinal and stomach disorders.
It is not normal to see blood in the stool. In this case, it is very important to consult a doctor. If your doctor deems it necessary, he may request tests such as stool culture.
In some cases, colonoscopy and endoscopy examinations may also be necessary.