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Red Blood Cell Count - Normal and Abnormal Mean

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A red blood cell count (RBC) is a blood test that determines the number of red blood cells in the body. Learn more about it below.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Rajesh Deshwal

Published At December 6, 2022
Reviewed AtAugust 28, 2023

Introduction

RBCs are blood tests that measure how many red blood cells our bodies contain. Hemoglobin, a protein, can be found in arteries and cells. It distributes oxygen throughout the body. The most effective way oxygen is distributed into the tissues relies on the number of red blood cells. The findings of an RBC count can be used to identify blood-related diseases such as anemia and iron insufficiency. Vitamin B6, B12, or folate deficiency might possibly be the cause of a low RBC count. Internal bleeding, renal illness, or malnourishment are all possibilities. There are many medical illnesses that can cause a high RBC count, including heart diseases and respiratory illnesses, and can be due to some tumors.

What Is a Red Blood Cell?

Red blood cells transport oxygen throughout the body commonly known as erythrocytes. They are in charge of carrying oxygen from the lungs to tissues. The tissues use oxygen to make energy and emit carbon dioxide as waste. By exhaling, red blood cells carry carbon dioxide waste to the lungs.

Red blood cells are tiny and are in the form of a flat disc or doughnut; it is circular with a central depression but not hollow. Because red blood cells do not have a nucleus like white blood cells, they may change form and move around the body more easily. The bone marrow produces red blood cells, and it is responsible for the formation of nearly all of the cells in the body. Hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen, is responsible for its brilliant red hue.

What Is Red Blood Cell Count?

The total number of red blood cells in the blood is determined by the red blood cell count or RBC. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body to every area. To flourish, reproduce, and remain healthy, the cells require oxygen. A greater or lower than usual RBC count is frequently the first indicator of sickness. As a result, the test may enable individuals to receive therapies. The (RBC) count is often known as the red count and erythrocyte count.

What Are the Possible Symptoms of Abnormal Red Blood Cell Count?

People may have symptoms and many difficulties if the RBC count is too high or too low. Some of these includes:

  • Fatigue.

  • Muscle wasting.

  • Joint discomfort.

  • Energy deficiency.

  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache.

  • Vision is blurred.

  • Hands and feet are cold.

  • Breathing problems.

  • A faster heartbeat.

  • Sleep disturbances.

  • Dry, itchy skin after showering or bathing.

What Are the Causes of Low Red Blood Cell Count?

A low RBC count can be caused by a variety of factors. These include the following:

  • Cancer and cancer therapies.

  • Chronic kidney disease (a condition that affects the kidneys).

  • Sickle cell anemia.

  • Loss of blood.

  • Failure of key organs.

  • Cigarettes smoking.

  • Being at a high altitude.

  • Dehydration.

  • Conditions such as heart or lung disease.

  • Malnutrition (RBCs may become misshapen or die off quicker than the body can replenish them if it does not receive a consistent supply of vital nutrients).

How Is the Red Blood Cell Count Test Performed?

This test does not need any preparation. A blood sample for an RBC count often involves many steps:

  • To destroy any bacteria and avoid infection, the puncture site on the arm should be cleansed.

  • An elastic band is stretched across the upper arm to exert pressure on the veins, causing them to expand and become easier to find. Making a fist can also assist the vein in swelling.

  • A vein is pierced with a needle.

  • Blood is drawn into a tube or vial linked to the needle. If various tests are being performed, more than one vial of blood may be required.

  • The elastic band is withdrawn, and the strain on the upper arm is relieved.

  • A piece of gauze or bandage is put over the location where the needle is removed once the blood draw is finished.

  • To assist stop any bleeding, individuals may be advised to apply mild pressure. This may also aid in the reduction of soreness and bruising.

What Is the Range of a Normal Red Blood Cell Count?

  • The RBC test will present all the information about the types and quantities of cells in the blood. The number of normal red blood cells varies from person to person.

  • RBC normal ranges vary depending on age and sex at birth.

  • Red blood cells per microliter of blood should range from 4.7 to 6.1 million in men and from 4.2 to 5.4 million in women.

  • A child's red blood cell count should be between 4.0 and 5.5 million per microliter.

  • Any RBC count that is lower or greater than usual might suggest a medical problem.

What Does an Abnormal Red Blood Cell Count Mean?

Red blood cells that are abnormally reduced or increased include the following:

  • Congenital heart disease (a structural and functional problem with the heart that is present at birth).

  • Dehydration

  • Renal cell carcinoma (a kind of cancer that affects the kidney).

  • Hypoxia (a condition in which there is a low blood oxygen level).

  • Fibrosis of the lungs (scarring or thickening of the lungs).

  • Polycythemia vera (a kind of bone marrow disease that causes an abnormal increase in RBCs).

  • Leukemia (a type of blood cancer).

  • Malnutrition.

  • Multiple myeloma (a kind of cancer that affects the white blood cells).

  • Kidney failure.

What Are the Treatments for Abnormal Red Blood Cell Count?

Treatment is required for all kinds of conditions. The therapy will be determined by the cause of the abnormal RBC count.

  • Iron Therapy- Taking iron supplements or having iron infusions delivered directly into the veins can help in treating iron deficiency.

  • Vitamin Supplements- This can help improve vitamin deficiency.

  • Bone Marrow Transplant- It could be necessary in case of failure of the bone marrow.

  • Erythropoietin (EPO)-Stimulating Medication- It can be given in some conditions that last for a long time.

  • Blood Transfusion- This can help the body restore the RBCs in the body in case of blood loss.

How to Manage Abnormal Red Blood Cell Count?

Managing abnormal red blood cell count can be done by taking a few steps that include:

  • Consuming a nutritious diet and avoiding vitamin deficiency.

  • Involving in regular physical activity.

  • Avoid taking Aspirin.

  • Cutting back on alcohol consumption.

  • Lowering the iron intake and red meat consumption.

  • Consuming extra liquids.

  • Avoid diuretics, such as coffee or alcohol-containing beverages.

  • Smoking cessation.

Conclusion

Red blood cells flow throughout the body, bringing oxygen to the tissues and releasing carbon dioxide while breathing. An abnormally high or low RBC count might result in significant health problems. Maintaining the health of the red blood cells by eating a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals and refraining from smoking to lower the risk of red blood cell abnormalities. These lifestyle and dietary behaviors may be especially significant if there are blood malignancies or chronic diseases that might influence the RBC count.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

Is High Red Blood Count Serious?

Increased red blood cells always indicate another underlying health condition. Cancers like polycythemia vera, renal cell carcinoma, kidney diseases, pulmonary fibrosis, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), etc., have increased RBC. When there are more red blood cells, the blood will become thicker, putting the person at risk of heart disease.

2.

What Is the Treatment for Increased Red Blood Cell Count?

The treatment for increased RBC depends on the underlying cause. Depending on the underlying health condition causing a high red blood cell count, the healthcare provider may recommend treatment, medication, or lifestyle and diet changes to lower the level.

3.

When Is Medical Attention Required for Variations in Red Blood Cell Count?

A normal red blood cell count range in adults is typically considered 4.35 to 5.65 million red blood cells (RBC) per microliter (mcL) of blood for males and 3.52 to 5.13 million RBC per mcL of blood for females. If the value is higher or lower than the normal ranges, immediate medical consultation is required.

4.

What Cancers Can Increase Red Blood Cell Count?

In most cancers, there will be a drop in the red blood cell count. However, some cancers can result in an increased red blood cell count, including:
- Polycythemia vera (a type of blood cancer that causes the bone marrow to produce excess red blood cells).
- Renal cell carcinoma (a common type of kidney cancer).
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (a common type of liver cancer).

5.

What Level of RBC Is Very Low?

The level of normal hemoglobin is different for men and women. The normal level for men ranges between 14.0 and 17.5 million RBC per mcL of blood. The normal level for women ranges between 12.3 and 15.3 million RBC per mcL of blood. Men's severely low hemoglobin level is 13.5 million RBC per mcL of blood or lower; for women, it is 12 million RBC per mcL of blood.

6.

What Foods to Avoid if You Have High Red Blood Cells?

Reducing foods with high iron content, including red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, beans, tempeh, tofu, nuts, and seeds, is necessary because iron is very important for producing hemoglobin and red blood cells. Also, smoking cessation and avoiding strenuous exercise can reduce the high red blood count.

7.

How Does Vitamin D Increase the Production of Red Blood Cells?

Recent studies have concluded that vitamin D supplements have no notable effect on hemoglobin or ferritin levels. In some studies, vitamin D has been shown to help in erythropoiesis (the process of producing red blood cells). However, more clinical studies are needed to determine the effect of vitamin D on red blood cells.

8.

What Diseases Affect Red Blood Cell Count?

The red blood cell count may be affected by various diseases and conditions. An increased red blood cell count is often associated with a type of blood cancer called polycythemia vera. In some rare cases, kidney cancer and kidney transplant patients also report an increased red blood cell count. Low red blood cell counts are seen in heart diseases, heart failure, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), pulmonary fibrosis, and other lung diseases.

9.

What Are the Symptoms of Low RBC?

Red blood cells contain hemoglobin (a protein), which helps carry oxygen to body parts. So when there is a reduction in red blood cells, a person can experience symptoms like the following:
- Dizziness.
- Fatigue.
- Heart palpitation.
- Shortness of breath.

10.

Does Vitamin B12 Increase Red Blood Cells?

Vitamin B12 is required for the body to produce red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Eating foods containing vitamin B12, such as meat, shellfish, poultry, eggs, fortified cereals, and dairy products, is necessary because our bodies cannot produce vitamin B12 alone. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause the production of abnormally large red blood cells. 

11.

What Vitamin Helps in Red Blood Cell Production?

Vitamins are also required to build healthy red blood cells, which include vitamins B2, B12, B3, and A, which are present in foods such as eggs, dairy products, orange and yellow vegetables, leafy green vegetables, and whole grains. 

12.

Is Reduced Red Blood Count Serious?

Low blood cell counts can be serious, and they can indicate a deficiency of vitamin B6, B12, or folate. It can also occur in cases of internal bleeding, kidney disease, or malnutrition. Low red blood cell count usually causes anemia and leads to symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, heart palpitation, and shortness of breath.
Dr. Rajesh Deshwal
Dr. Rajesh Deshwal

HIV/AIDS specialist

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