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RBC count

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Blood test
Blood test
Formed elements of blood
Formed elements of blood
High blood pressure tests
High blood pressure tests

Alternative Names    Return to top

Erythrocyte count; Red blood cell count

Definition    Return to top

An RBC count is a blood test that tells how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have.

RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. How much oxygen your body tissues get depends on how many RBCs you have and how well they work.

How the Test is Performed    Return to top

Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.

Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.

Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.

How to Prepare for the Test    Return to top

No special preparation is necessary for adults.

How the Test Will Feel    Return to top

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the Test is Performed    Return to top

The RBC count is almost always part of the CBC (complete blood count) test.

The test can help diagnose anemia and other conditions affecting red blood cells.

Additional conditions under which an RBC count may be performed:

Normal Results    Return to top

Normal results vary, but in general the range is as follows:

What Abnormal Results Mean    Return to top

Higher-than-normal numbers of RBCs may be due to:

Your RBC count will increase for several weeks when you move to a higher altitude.

Drugs that can increase the RBC count include:

Lower-than-normal numbers of RBCs may be due to:

Drugs that can decrease the RBC count include:

Risks    Return to top

There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:

References    Return to top

Zuckerman K. Approach to the anemias. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 162.

Update Date: 3/2/2009

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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