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 folic acid, or accelerated breakdown of red blood cells.
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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:
19 February 2024
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