You received your RBC count test results but still need help determining if they fall under the RBC normal range. Read this section to know if your results range between the normal RBC counts.
What Do my RBC Count Test Results Mean?
RBC count test results are generally given in the units of million cells per microlitre of blood. Any number lying within the standard range, as described in the section below, is considered to be normal.
- A high red blood cell count (erythrocytosis) means your blood has more red blood cells than normal, making the blood thicker and potentially increasing the risk for blood clots. This condition might signal various health issues, including dehydration, heart disease, polycythemia vera, lung scarring from smoking, lung disease, and kidney cancer. 3
- Conversely, a low red blood cell count can suggest conditions such as internal bleeding, kidney disease, or malnutrition. It could also indicate deficiencies in vitamins such as B6, B12, or folate4. Lower than normal RBC counts may impair the body's ability to carry sufficient oxygen to its tissues, potentially leading to fatigue and other symptoms associated with anaemia.
In both cases, further testing by a healthcare provider is necessary to determine the specific cause of the abnormal RBC count and to guide appropriate treatment strategies.
What is RBC Count Test Normal Range?
The RBC normal range is subject to changes depending on your gender, age and nutritional status. Total RBC counts are generally higher in males than in females and higher in newborns than in adults. The widely accepted total RBC count normal range for men, women, infants, and children is given below:
What is Considered a High Red Blood Cell Count?
While the normal RBC count varies based on factors like age and gender, a count exceeding specific thresholds is classified as high.
An elevated red blood cell count typically exceeds 6.1 million for males, 5.4 million for females, and 5.5 million for children. Your healthcare provider will conduct further tests to identify the underlying cause of this condition and outline appropriate steps for your care. 5
A high total RBC count can indicate various health conditions and warrants further investigation. Upon detecting elevated levels, healthcare providers typically recommend additional tests to pinpoint the underlying cause and determine the appropriate course of action for treatment.
What is Considered a Low Red Blood Cell Count?
Anything less than 4.7 million cells per microlitre of blood in an RBC test is considered to be a low total RBC count in adult males, while for women, it is considered low if it is less than 4.2. 6
What Medical Conditions Can Cause Low Red Blood Cell Counts?
Low blood cell counts in an RBC test can be seen in the following health conditions:
- Low levels of iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid
- Cancer or cancer treatment (such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy)
- Some chronic diseases, such as kidney disease
- Deficiency of erythropoietin, a kidney hormone that promotes RBC growth
- Malnutrition that affects bone marrow's ability to produce RBCs, leading to malformed RBCs or a higher rate of RBC death
- Sickle cell disease
- Blood loss due to excessive bleeding
What Medical Conditions Can Cause High Red Blood Cell Counts?
Increased red blood cell counts in an RBC blood test can be seen in the following conditions:
- Dehydration
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other long-standing cardiac conditions
- Living at high altitudes
- Polycythemia vera, a bone marrow disease
- Drugs like anabolic steroids
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