Red blood cell (RBC) count
Explanation
A red blood cell (RBC) count measures how many red blood cells are in a sample of blood. These cells carry oxygen using a protein called hemoglobin. The count is usually one part of a complete blood count, which also checks other blood cells.
What can a low or high count mean?
A low count may occur with blood loss, a shortage of nutrients needed to make blood cells, or some kidney and bone marrow conditions. Bone marrow is the tissue inside bones that makes blood cells.
A high count has several possible causes too. Dehydration can make the blood more concentrated. Some lung conditions, living at high altitude or disorders that increase blood cell production can also raise the count.
What helps explain the result?
The count alone does not identify the cause. Your clinician considers symptoms, medical history and the rest of the blood results. Depending on the pattern, further tests may check iron, vitamins or whether the bone marrow is making new red blood cells.
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