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RBC Count
Alternate Names : Erythrocyte Count, Red Blood Cell Count
Definition This is a blood test that measures the number of red blood cells (RBCs). The RBC count is almost always part of the CBC (complete blood count) test.
RBCs transport hemoglobin. Hemoglobin transports oxygen. The amount of oxygen body tissues receive depends on the amount and function of RBCs and hemoglobin. RBCs normally survive about 120 days in the blood. They are then removed by specialized "clean-up" cells in the spleen and liver.
Pictures & Images
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Why is the Test Performed?
This test can help identify anemia (low hemoglobin) as well as other conditions affecting the red blood cells.
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• Definition
• Why is the Test Performed?
• How is the Test Performed?
• How to Prepare for the Test?
• How will the Test Feel?
• Normal Values
• What do Abnormal Results Mean?
• Special Considerations
• Risks
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Alport Syndrome
• Anemia
• Cor Pulmonale
• Dehydration
• Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency
• Heart Disease
• Idiopathic Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
• Immune Hemolytic Anemia
• Kidney Disease
• Macroglobulinemia of Waldenstrom
• Multiple Myeloma
• Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)
• Polycythemia Vera
• Primary Myelofibrosis
• Renal Cell Carcinoma
• Transfusion Reaction
Tests & Exams
• CBC
• Erythropoietin
• Hemoglobin
Other Topics
• Adolescent Test or Procedure Preparation
• Folic Acid (Folate)
• Infant Test/Procedure Preparation
• Peripheral
• Preschooler Test/Procedure Preparation
• School Age Test/Procedure Preparation
• Splenomegaly
• Toddler Test/Procedure Preparation
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin B6
Review Date : 6/1/2003
Reviewed By : Marcia S. Brose, M.D., Ph.D., Division of Hematology/Oncology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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