What is the number of red blood cells?
The number of red blood cells (RBC) is a blood test that determines the number of red blood cells or erythrocytes in a blood sample. This test also evaluates the shape and size of red blood cells. All this information is then used to determine the number of red blood cells on the microliter of blood.
The value of the number of red blood cells varies according to the age and sex of the patient. The number of RBC ranges from 4.2 to 5.0 million red blood cells per microliter for women and 4.6-6.0 million for men. The normal number of red blood cells for children is usually between 3.8 and 5.5 million red blood cells to volume.
This blood test is considered a very important patient health indicator. The low number of red blood cells may mean that the patient has anemia, acute or chronic blood loss, malnutrition, chronic inflammation or a number of nutritional deficiencies, including iron, copper, vitamin B-12 or vitamin B-6. On the other hand, higher than the average number of RBC, calling polycythemia may be a sign of congenital heart disease, pulmonary fibrosis or kidney problems. However, the red blood cells can also increase naturally. People who live at high altitudes tend to have a higher number of RBCs and smokers generally have a higher number of red blood cells than non -smokers.
The number of RBC is almost always arranged as part of complete blood (CBC), which determines the number of RBC, white blood cells and plates. This blood test is also generally required for routine physical and predocorgic procedures. Patients with chronic anemia, hematological disorders or chronic bleeding problems have their red blood cells quite often tested, so their doctors can monitor any significant increase or decrease in red blood cells.
To obtain the sample needed for the number of RBC, the patient's blood is taken from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or on the back of the hand. When performing this blood test of existenceOnly little physical risks. The most common smaller risks are to feel light, fainting and suffering through several punctures to find a good vein.
Red blood cells are the most common type of cells in the blood and are extremely important because they transmit oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues. How much oxygen receive body tissues depends on how much RBC has an individual and how well they work. Thus, the routine blood test to determine the number of red blood cells can help individuals remain healthy.