Red blood cells, which are found in the blood and make up the blood cell group, contain hemoglobin, a substance responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. They are able to transport the oxygen taken into the lungs through respiration to all tissues in the body. Whether each cell in the body receives an adequate level of oxygen depends on the concentration and function of red blood cells in the blood. Because of their reddish color, they are also called red blood cells. They derive their color from the iron found in hemoglobin.
Red blood cells bind carbon dioxide and transport it to the lungs, where it is then expelled from the body through respiration. All of this occurs during the act of breathing. Although the RBC count in the blood of men, children, and every individual varies, it falls within a specific reference range. A blood test is a routine procedure performed when a patient visits a doctor with a complaint. The RBC level is what is examined in blood counts.
What Should the Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count Be?
The test to measure RBC levels is typically performed as part of a test known as a hemogram (complete blood count). The amount of RBCs that should be present in a person’s blood can vary depending on age, gender, health status, and pregnancy. An RBC test can be easily performed using blood samples.
The normal RBC values for healthy individuals are: 4.6–6.2 million cells for men, 4.1–5.3 for women, 3.9–5.4 for children aged 1–18, 3.4–5.1 for infants aged 6–12 months, 3.4–5.4 for infants aged 2–6 months, 2–8-week-old infants (3.9–5.9), and newborns (4.7–7.2) million. These values may vary during pregnancy, in cases of cancer or other diseases that affect blood cells, and with certain medications. These values should be examined and evaluated under a doctor’s supervision.
Causes of Elevated Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count
A high RBC count in test results indicates an increase in the level of red blood cells in the body. This condition is called erythrocytosis. Because it causes the blood to become too thick, it increases the risk of clotting. This type of erythrocytosis occurs when blood levels are higher than normal due to external factors. Medication use or certain diseases can cause erythrocytosis
. The causes of this increase are as follows:
- Heart diseases
- Lung diseases (COPD)
- Sleep apnea
- Kidney diseases
- Liver diseases
- Smoking
- Living at high altitudes
- Dehydration (fluid loss)
- Diuretic medications
- Steroids or protein injections
In addition, blood cancers can cause abnormal increases in blood cell counts. Different types of cancer can also significantly affect RBC levels. If RBC levels are abnormally high, he should undergo testing for cancer.
Causes of Low RBC Count
A low RBC count is a sign of anemia. This condition may result from a problem with red blood cell production or from a reduction in these cells due to various causes. One factor leading to a low count is an unhealthy and irregular diet. Anemia develops when a person does not consume sufficient amounts of the necessary vitamins and nutrients. These levels can be determined through a blood test. If anemia is caused by a nutrient or vitamin deficiency, it can be treated with supplements.
In some cases, the cause of low RBC levels may be bone marrow failure. Many conditions—such as pregnancy, liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid disorders, epileptic seizures, internal or external bleeding, and digestive system diseases—can lead to low RBC levels. Patients with low RBC levels in their blood test results can consult a doctor to learn more about their condition and protect their health by undergoing an examination and additional tests.
RBC (Red Blood Cells) in Urine
The presence of erythrocytes in urine indicates that blood has mixed with the urine. The medical term for this is hematuria. Its presence in urine does not pose a life-threatening risk. In rare cases, it may be a symptom of certain serious diseases. The amount of blood in the urine is often so small that it can only be detected under a microscope. When this occurs, it is important to investigate the cause, as it may stem from a number of serious underlying issues. In a healthy individual, the urine RBC count should be between 0 and 3. However, if the count exceeds this range, the underlying causes must be investigated and diagnosed.
Possible causes of blood in the urine include urinary tract infections, infections in the bladder or kidneys, kidney stones, kidney cancer, prostate cancer, tumors in the urinary tract, certain pain relievers, cancer medications, excessive exercise, and blood clots.
RBC (Red Blood Cells) in Stool
The presence of blood in stool is an unusual finding. The presence of red blood cells in stool suggests a parasitic or bacterial infection. It can also be seen in certain intestinal and stomach disorders. In such cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Based on the patient’s symptoms, the doctor may request a stool culture test if deemed necessary. Additionally, colonoscopy and endoscopy may be required.
