The number of red blood cells is examined in connection with a blood count. In cases of anemia, the number of red blood cells is low.
Test shows the red blood cell count in the blood, which is linked, for example, to physical endurance, muscle condition, and heart function as red blood cells vitally contribute to the supply of oxygen to all tissues.
Red blood cell count affects the body’s ability to carry oxygen to the tissues. Red blood cells carry oxygen that is bound to hemoglobin.
Reference levels may vary depending on the laboratory and the test analysis method.
Reference values for adults for the number of red blood cells are:
Men: 4,2-5,7 x 1012/L 1
Women: 3,9-5,2 x 1012/L 1
Number indicates how many red blood cells there are in a litre of blood. For example, if the value is 5.0 × E12/l, the red blood cell count is 5.0 × 1012, or 5,000,000,000,000 (5 trillion) per litre of blood and 5 billion per millilitre of blood.
Examples of reasons for a high number of red blood cells in the blood:
Condition of excessive concentration of red blood cells in the blood is called erythrocytosis.
Erythrocytosis due to disease or external causes is called secondary erythrocytosis. Erythrocytosis may be a reasonable reaction of the body to a changed situation as it improves the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.
However, if the number of red blood cells becomes too high, the blood becomes too thick and some of it may need to be removed.
A low number of red blood cells is a sign of anemia. Anemia, also known as a deficiency of red blood cells, usually leads to fatigue, decreased physical performance, feelings of dizziness, and shortness of breath. The exact cause of anemia should always be determined through further examinations.
The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency, typically resulting from prolonged blood loss due to heavy menstruation or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Other possible causes of anemia is kidney disease, deficiency of vitamin B12 or folate, or accelerated breakdown of red blood cells.
If the platelet count is too high, it is important to identify and treat the underlying causes of this condition. Common ways to manage platelet count include hydration and the use of blood thinners such as aspirin as directed by a doctor. In some cases, other medications or treatments may be used, such as blood thinners or treatments aimed at improving blood circulation. It is important to discuss with a doctor before starting any treatment.
An adult human has an average of about five liters of blood. The amount of blood can vary individually and is about 7-8% of a person’s total body weight. For example, a person weighing 70 kilograms has about five and a half liters of blood. The amount of blood is important as it transports oxygen and nutrients to different parts of the body and helps remove waste products.
Red blood cells live for an average of 120 days in the human body. After this, they are primarily broken down in the spleen, where their iron is salvaged and used to produce new red blood cells. The lifespan of red blood cells can vary among different people and under different conditions, but 120 days is a generally accepted average.
The treatment of macrocytosis typically focuses on addressing the underlying cause. If macrocytosis is due to a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate, treatment includes supplementing these vitamins. If it is related to alcohol use, reducing or stopping alcohol consumption is recommended. The doctor may also prescribe other treatments depending on the cause of the macrocytosis.
The rate of decrease in MCV (mean corpuscular volume) depends on what has caused the change. For example, in the treatment of iron deficiency, MCV can start to decrease within a few weeks of starting iron supplementation. If the change in MCV is due to other health-related causes, such as vitamin deficiencies or bone marrow diseases, the rate of decrease can vary.
A complete blood count is usually taken when there is a desire to get a comprehensive picture of a person’s general health status or when there is a need to monitor certain health-related changes. A complete blood count can help identify various conditions, such as anemia.
Vital laboratory package Total Plus includes 37 values and is an even more comprehensive health check for those who seek a deeper insight into their body’s well-being and greater opportunities to make better choices to improve their health.
Vital laboratory package Total includes 29 values and is a great choice when you want to gain more thorough information about the well-being of your body.
Blood count is a series of tests that measure for example the hemoglobin level in the blood. All of Vital’s laboratory packages include blood count.
Vital laboratory package Basic includes 21 values that give you a wide range of information on how your body is doing. It includes blood count, cholesterol levels, blood glucose, ferritin and studies of the functioning of the thyroid gland, liver and kidneys.
Basophils are white blood cells that fight parasitic diseases, prevent unnecessary blood clotting, and mediate allergic reactions.
Creatinine value helps assess kidney function.
Eosinophils play a particularly important role in reactions related to allergies, allergic dermatitis, and asthma.
The number of red blood cells is examined in connection with a blood count. In cases of anemia, the number of red blood cells is low.
Hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. In anemia, the red blood cell count is reduced.
When suspecting anemia, it is important to test the hemoglobin. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include paleness and fatigue.
Article updated:
23 October 2024