RBC Red Blood Cells
Sample: Whole (EDTA) blood 0.5 mL
Status: Accredited
Schedule: Daily
Units: Range
Remarks: RBC is used as part of the Full Blood Count (FBC, CBC). The test is also repeated in patients who have ongoing bleeding problems or chronic anemias or polycythemias. High RBC count may indicate congenital heart disease, dehydration, obstructive lung disease, or bone marrow over-production (see Reticulocytes).High RBC count is also seen in beta Thalassemia trait. Low RBC count may indicate anemia, bleeding, kidney disease, bone marrow failure or malnutrition. Also a low count may also indicate deficiencies of Iron, Folic ac., Vitamin B12, and vitamin B6.
