Normal red blood cell count in women. Red blood cells in the blood - the norm in the analysis, reasons for the increase and negative consequences for the body. Causes and symptoms of increased red blood cell count

These include:

• Fatigue, shortness of breath during physical activity;
• Change in skin color to bluish;
• Decrease in the number of other blood elements - leukocytes, platelets (frequent colds, bleeding gums, bruises on the body);
• Headache.

The first school lessons about the structure of the human body introduce the main “inhabitants of the blood: red cells - erythrocytes (Er, RBC), which determine the color due to the content they contain, and white cells (leukocytes), the presence of which is not visible to the eye, since they are colored do not influence.

Human red blood cells, unlike animals, do not have a nucleus, but before losing it, they must go from the erythroblast cell, where hemoglobin synthesis just begins, to reach the last nuclear stage - which accumulates hemoglobin, and turn into a mature nuclear-free cell, the main a component of which is red blood pigment.

What people have not done with red blood cells, studying their properties: they tried to wrap them around the globe (4 times), and put them in coin columns (52 thousand kilometers), and compare the area of ​​red blood cells with the surface area of ​​the human body (red blood cells exceeded all expectations , their area turned out to be 1.5 thousand times higher).

These unique cells...

Another important feature of red blood cells is their biconcave shape, but if they were spherical, then their total surface area would be 20% less than the real one. However, the abilities of red blood cells lie not only in the size of their total area. Thanks to the biconcave disc shape:

1. Red blood cells are able to carry more oxygen and carbon dioxide;
2. Show plasticity and freely pass through narrow openings and curved capillary vessels, that is, there are practically no obstacles for young, full-fledged cells in the bloodstream. The ability to penetrate into the most remote corners of the body is lost with the age of red blood cells, as well as in their pathological conditions, when their shape and size change. For example, spherocytes, sickle-shaped, weights and pears (poikilocytosis) do not have such high plasticity, macrocytes, and even more so megalocytes (anisocytosis), cannot penetrate into narrow capillaries, therefore the modified cells do not perform their tasks so flawlessly.

The chemical composition of Er is represented largely by water (60%) and dry residue (40%), in which 90 - 95% is occupied by red blood pigment - , and the remaining 5 - 10% are distributed between lipids (cholesterol, lecithin, cephalin), proteins, carbohydrates, salts (potassium, sodium, copper, iron, zinc) and, of course, enzymes (carbonic anhydrase, cholinesterase, glycolytic, etc.).

Cellular structures that we are accustomed to noticing in other cells (nucleus, chromosomes, vacuoles) are absent in Er as unnecessary. Red blood cells live for up to 3 - 3.5 months, then they age and, with the help of erythropoietic factors that are released when the cell is destroyed, give the command that it is time to replace them with new ones - young and healthy.

The erythrocyte originates from its predecessors, which, in turn, originate from a stem cell. If everything is normal in the body, red blood cells are reproduced in the bone marrow of flat bones (skull, spine, sternum, ribs, pelvic bones). In cases where, for some reason, the bone marrow cannot produce them (tumor damage), red blood cells “remember” that other organs (liver, thymus, spleen) were engaged in this during intrauterine development and force the body to begin erythropoiesis in forgotten places.

How many should there be normally?

The total number of red blood cells contained in the body as a whole and the concentration of red cells coursing through the bloodstream are different concepts. The total number includes cells that have not yet left the bone marrow, have gone into storage in case of unforeseen circumstances, or have set sail to perform their immediate duties. The totality of all three populations of red blood cells is called - erythron. Erythron contains from 25 x 10 12 /l (Tera/liter) to 30 x 10 12 /l red blood cells.

The norm of red blood cells in the blood of adults differs by gender, and in children depending on age. Thus:

• The norm for women ranges from 3.8 - 4.5 x 10 12 / l, respectively, they also have less hemoglobin;
• What is a normal indicator for a woman is called mild anemia in men, since the lower and upper limits of the norm for red blood cells are noticeably higher: 4.4 x 5.0 x 10 12 / l (the same applies to hemoglobin);
• In children under one year old, the concentration of red blood cells is constantly changing, so for each month (for newborns - each day) there is its own norm. And if suddenly in a blood test the red blood cells in a two-week-old child are increased to 6.6 x 10 12 / l, then this cannot be regarded as a pathology, it’s just that this is the norm for newborns (4.0 - 6.6 x 10 12 / l).
• Some fluctuations are observed after a year of life, but normal values ​​are not very different from those in adults. In adolescents aged 12-13 years, the hemoglobin content in red blood cells and the level of red blood cells themselves correspond to the norm for adults.

An increased amount of red blood cells in the blood is called erythrocytosis, which can be absolute (true) and redistributive. Redistributive erythrocytosis is not a pathology and occurs when red blood cells are elevated under certain circumstances:

1. Stay in mountainous areas;
2. Active physical labor and sports;
3. Psycho-emotional agitation;
4. Dehydration (loss of fluid from the body due to diarrhea, vomiting, etc.).

High levels of red blood cells in the blood are a sign of pathology and true erythrocytosis if they are the result of increased formation of red blood cells caused by unlimited proliferation (reproduction) of the precursor cell and its differentiation into mature forms of red blood cells ().

A decrease in the concentration of red blood cells is called erythropenia. It is observed with blood loss, inhibition of erythropoiesis, breakdown of red blood cells () under the influence of unfavorable factors. Low red blood cells and low red blood cell Hb levels are a sign.

What does the abbreviation mean?

Modern hematological analyzers, in addition to hemoglobin (HGB), low or high levels of red blood cells (RBC), (HCT) and other usual tests, can calculate other indicators, which are designated by a Latin abbreviation and are not at all clear to the reader:

In addition to all the listed advantages of red blood cells, I would like to note one more thing:

Red blood cells are considered a mirror that reflects the state of many organs. A kind of indicator that can “feel” problems or allows you to monitor the course of the pathological process is.

For a big ship, a long voyage

Why are red blood cells so important in diagnosing many pathological conditions? Their special role arises and is formed due to their unique capabilities, and so that the reader can imagine the true significance of red blood cells, we will try to list their responsibilities in the body.

Truly, The functional tasks of red blood cells are wide and diverse:

1. They transport oxygen to tissues (with the participation of hemoglobin).
2. They transfer carbon dioxide (with the participation, in addition to hemoglobin, of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase and the ion exchanger Cl- /HCO 3).
3. They perform a protective function, as they are able to adsorb harmful substances and transfer antibodies (immunoglobulins), components of the complementary system, formed immune complexes (At-Ag) on ​​their surface, and also synthesize an antibacterial substance called erythrin.
4. Participate in the exchange and regulation of water-salt balance.
5. Provide tissue nutrition (erythrocytes adsorb and transport amino acids).
6. Participate in maintaining information connections in the body through the transfer of macromolecules that provide these connections (creative function).
7. They contain thromboplastin, which is released from the cell when red blood cells are destroyed, which is a signal for the coagulation system to begin hypercoagulation and formation. In addition to thromboplastin, red blood cells carry heparin, which prevents thrombus formation. Thus, the active participation of red blood cells in the process of blood clotting is obvious.
8. Red blood cells are capable of suppressing high immunoreactivity (acting as suppressors), which can be used in the treatment of various tumor and autoimmune diseases.
9. They participate in the regulation of the production of new cells (erythropoiesis) by releasing erythropoietic factors from destroyed old red blood cells.

Red blood cells are destroyed mainly in the liver and spleen with the formation of breakdown products (iron). By the way, if we consider each cell separately, it will not be so red, but rather yellowish-red. Accumulating into huge masses of millions, they, thanks to the hemoglobin contained in them, become the way we are used to seeing them - a rich red color.

Video: Lesson on Red Blood Cells and Blood Functions

A general blood test is one of the routine tests of any clinical laboratory - this is the first test that a person takes when undergoing medical examination or when he becomes ill. In laboratory work, CBC is classified as a general clinical research method (clinical blood test).

Even people far from all laboratory wisdom, replete with a mass of difficult-to-pronounce terms, had a good grasp of the norms, meanings, names and other parameters as long as the answer form included leukocyte cells (leukocyte formula), red blood cells and hemoglobin with a color indicator. The widespread population of medical institutions with all kinds of equipment did not spare the laboratory service either; many experienced patients found themselves at a dead end: some incomprehensible abbreviation of Latin letters, a lot of all sorts of numbers, different characteristics of red blood cells and platelets...

Do-it-yourself decryption

The difficulty for patients is a general blood test performed by an automatic analyzer and scrupulously copied into a form by the responsible laboratory assistant. By the way, the “gold standard” of clinical research (microscope and doctor’s eyes) has not been canceled, therefore any analysis performed for diagnosis must be applied to glass, stained and examined in order to identify morphological changes in blood cells. In the event of a significant decrease or increase in a certain population of cells, the device may not be able to cope and “protest” (refuse to work), no matter how good it is.

Sometimes people try to find differences between a general and clinical blood test, but there is no need to look for them, because a clinical analysis implies the same study, which for convenience is called a general test (it’s shorter and clearer), but the essence does not change.

A general (detailed) blood test includes:

• Determination of the content of cellular elements of blood: - red blood cells containing the pigment hemoglobin, which determines the color of blood, and which do not contain this pigment, therefore are called white blood cells (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes);
• Level ;
• (in a hematology analyzer, although it can be approximately determined by eye after the red blood cells spontaneously settle to the bottom);
• , calculated according to the formula, if the study was carried out manually, without the participation of laboratory equipment;
• , which used to be called reaction (ROE).

A general blood test shows the reaction of this valuable biological fluid to any processes occurring in the body. How many red blood cells and hemoglobin it contains, which perform the function of respiration (transferring oxygen to tissues and removing carbon dioxide from them), leukocytes that protect the body from infection, participate in the coagulation process, how the body reacts to pathological processes, in a word, the CBC reflects the state of the body itself at different periods of life. The concept of “complete blood count” means that, in addition to the main indicators (leukocytes, hemoglobin, red blood cells), the leukocyte formula (and cells of the agranulocyte series) is studied in detail.

It is better to entrust the interpretation of the blood test to the doctor, but if there is a special desire, the patient can try to independently study the result issued in the clinical laboratory, and we will help him with this by combining the usual names with the abbreviation of the automatic analyzer.

The table is easier to understand

As a rule, the results of the study are recorded on a special form, which is sent to the doctor or given to the patient. To make it easier to navigate, let’s try to present a detailed analysis in the form of a table in which we will enter the norm of blood parameters. The reader will also see cells in the table such as . They are not among the mandatory indicators of a general blood test and are young forms of red blood cells, that is, they are the precursors of red blood cells. Reticulocytes are examined to identify the cause of anemia. There are very few of them in the peripheral blood of an adult healthy person (the norm is shown in the table); in newborn children there can be 10 times more of these cells.

And a separate table for children

Adaptation to new living conditions of all body systems of newborns, their further development in children after one year and final formation in adolescence makes blood indicators different from those in adults. It should not be surprising that the norms of a small child and a person who has crossed the age of majority can sometimes differ noticeably, so for children there is their own table of normal values.

It should be noted that the normal values ​​may differ in different medical sources and in different laboratories. This is not due to the fact that someone does not know how many certain cells there should be or what the normal level of hemoglobin is. Just, using various analytical systems and techniques, each laboratory has its own reference values. However, these subtleties are unlikely to be of interest to the reader...

Red blood cells in a general blood test and their characteristics

Or red blood cells (Er, Er) - the most numerous group of cellular elements of the blood, represented by nuclear-free biconcave disks ( the norm for women and men is different and is 3.8 – 4.5 x 10 12 / l and 4.4 – 5.0 x 10 12 / l, respectively). Red blood cells top the general blood count. Having numerous functions (tissue respiration, regulation of water-salt balance, transfer of antibodies and immunocomplexes on their surfaces, participation in the coagulation process, etc.), these cells have the ability to penetrate the most inaccessible places (narrow and convoluted capillaries). To carry out these tasks, red blood cells must have certain qualities: size, shape and high plasticity. Any changes in these parameters that go beyond the norm are shown by a general blood test (examination of the red part).

Red blood cells contain an important component for the body, consisting of protein and iron. This is a red blood pigment called. A decrease in red blood cells usually entails a drop in Hb levels, although there is another picture: there are enough red blood cells, but many of them are empty, then the CBC will have a low content of red pigment. In order to find out and evaluate all these indicators, there are special formulas that doctors used before the advent of automatic analyzers. Now equipment deals with such matters, and additional columns with an incomprehensible abbreviation and new units of measurement have appeared in the general blood test form:

An indicator of many diseases - ESR

It is considered a (nonspecific) indicator of a wide variety of pathological changes in the body, so this test is almost never ignored in diagnostic searches. The ESR norm depends on gender and age - in absolutely healthy women it can be 1.5 times higher than this figure in children and adult men.

As a rule, an indicator such as ESR is written down at the bottom of the form, that is, it kind of completes the general blood test. In most cases, ESR is measured in 60 minutes (1 hour) in a Panchenkov stand, which is still indispensable to this day. However, in our high-tech times there are devices that can reduce the determination time, but not all laboratories have them.

determination of ESR

Leukocyte formula

Leukocytes (Le) are a “motley” group of cells representing “white” blood. The number of leukocytes is not as high as the content of red blood cells (erythrocytes); their normal value in an adult varies within 4.0 – 9.0 x 10 9 /l.

In the CBC, these cells are presented in the form of two populations:

1. Granulocyte cells (granular leukocytes), containing granules that are filled with biologically active substances (BAS): (rods, segments, young, myelocytes), ;
2. Representatives of the agranulocytic series, which, however, can also have granules, but of a different origin and purpose: immunocompetent cells () and the “orderlies” of the body - (macrophages).

The most common cause of an increase in leukocytes in the blood () is an infectious-inflammatory process:

• In the acute phase, the neutrophil pool is activated and, accordingly, increases (up to the release of young forms);
• A little later, monocytes (macrophages) are included in the process;
• The stage of recovery can be determined by the increased number of eosinophils and lymphocytes.

The calculation of the leukocyte formula, as mentioned above, is not completely trusted even by the most high-tech equipment, although it cannot be suspected of errors - the devices work well and accurately, and provide a large amount of information, significantly exceeding that when working manually. However, there is one tiny nuance - the machine cannot yet fully see the morphological changes in the cytoplasm and nuclear apparatus of the leukocyte cell and replace the doctor’s eyes. In this regard, identification of pathological forms is still carried out visually, and the analyzer is allowed to count the total number of white blood cells and divide leukocytes into 5 parameters (neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, monocytes and lymphocytes), if the laboratory has a high-precision class 3 analytical system at its disposal .

Through the eyes of man and machine

The latest generation hematological analyzers are not only capable of conducting complex analysis of granulocyte representatives, but also differentiating agranulocytic cells (lymphocytes) within a population (subpopulations of T cells, B lymphocytes). Doctors successfully use their services, but, unfortunately, such equipment is still the privilege of specialized clinics and large medical centers. In the absence of any hematological analyzer, the number of leukocytes can be counted using the old old-fashioned method (in Goryaev’s chamber). Meanwhile, the reader should not think that one or another method (manual or automatic) is necessarily better; doctors working in the laboratory monitor this, monitoring themselves and the machine, and at the slightest doubt they will ask the patient to repeat the study. So, leukocytes:

Platelet link

The next abbreviation in a general blood test refers to cells called platelets or. Studying platelets without a hematology analyzer is quite labor-intensive; the cells require a special approach to staining, so without an analytical system this test is performed as needed and is not a default analysis.

The analyzer, distributing cells like red blood cells, calculates the total number of blood platelets and platelet indices (MPV, PDW, PCT):

• PLT– an indicator indicating the number of blood platelets (platelets). An increase in platelet content in the blood is called, a reduced level is qualified as thrombocytopenia.
• MPV– average volume of blood platelets, uniformity of platelet population sizes, expressed in femtoliters;
• PDW– width of distribution of these cells by volume – %, quantitatively – degree of platelet anisocytosis;
• PCT() is an analogue of hematocrit, expressed as a percentage and denotes the proportion of platelets in whole blood.

Elevated platelet count And change in one direction or another platelet indices may indicate the presence of a rather serious pathology: myeloproliferative diseases, inflammatory processes of an infectious nature localized in various organs, as well as the development of a malignant neoplasm. Meanwhile, the number of platelets can increase: physical activity, childbirth, surgical interventions.

Decline the content of these cells is observed in autoimmune processes, angiopathy, infections, and massive transfusions. A slight drop in platelet levels is observed before menstruation and during pregnancy, however a decrease in their number to 140.0 x 10 9 /l and below should already be a cause for concern.

Does everyone know how to prepare for analysis?

It is known that many indicators (especially leukocytes and erythrocytes) vary depending on previous circumstances:

1. Psycho-emotional stress;
2. Food (digestive leukocytosis);
3. Bad habits such as smoking or thoughtless drinking of strong drinks;
4. Use of certain medications;
5. Solar radiation (it is not advisable to go to the beach before taking tests).

Nobody wants to get unreliable results, so you need to go for analysis on an empty stomach, sober and without a morning cigarette, calm down for 30 minutes, don’t run or jump. People should be aware that in the afternoon, after exposure to the sun and during heavy physical labor, some leukocytosis will be observed in the blood.

The female sex has even more restrictions, so representatives of the fair half need to remember that:

• The ovulation phase increases the total number of leukocytes, but decreases the level of eosinophils;
• Neutrophilia is observed during pregnancy (before childbirth and during its course);
• Pain associated with menstruation and the menstruation itself can also cause certain changes in the test results - you will have to donate blood again.

Blood for a detailed blood test, provided that it is carried out in a hematological analyzer, is now in most cases taken from a vein, simultaneously with other tests (biochemistry), but in a separate tube (a vacutainer with an anticoagulant placed in it - EDTA). There are also small microcontainers (with EDTA) designed for collecting blood from a finger (earlobe, heel), which are often used to take tests from children.

The indicators of blood from a vein are somewhat different from the results obtained from the study of capillary blood - in venous blood there is higher hemoglobin and more red blood cells. Meanwhile, it is believed that it is better to take OAC from a vein: the cells are less injured, contact with the skin is minimized, moreover, the volume of venous blood taken, if necessary, allows you to repeat the analysis if the results are questionable, or expand the range of studies (what if it turns out that what else needs to be done and reticulocytes?).

In addition, many people (by the way, most often adults), without reacting at all to venipuncture, are panicky afraid of the scarifier that is used to pierce the finger, and sometimes the fingers are blue and cold - it is difficult to obtain blood. The analytical system that performs a detailed blood analysis “knows” how to work with venous and capillary blood, it is programmed for different options, so it can easily “figure out” what’s what. Well, if the device fails, it will be replaced by a highly qualified specialist who will check, double-check and make a decision, relying not only on the capabilities of the machine, but also on his own eyes.

Video: clinical blood test - Dr. Komarovsky

Human blood consists of a liquid fraction - plasma - and various cells that provide important functions. Among them, red blood cells stand out. Their number should be constant, although it varies depending on the gender and age of the person. However, in some cases, their number may exceed normal limits, which is an important diagnostic sign in identifying a particular pathological condition. What does this mean and what to do in such cases?

What are red blood cells, their role in the human body

Red blood cells are special blood cells that are red in color due to the hemoglobin they contain. Actually, this pigment, due to its biochemical properties, is able to bind oxygen, which is carried through the bloodstream throughout the body. In other words, the main function of red blood cells is transport, which consists in delivering oxygen from the lungs to the cells of the body, and carbon dioxide in the opposite direction.

Erythrocytes are red blood cells that are synthesized by red bone marrow and perform a transport function, as they are able to carry oxygen from the lungs to all organs and tissues and take waste carbon dioxide back to the lungs

Table: normal values ​​of red blood cells in the blood depending on gender and age

Characteristic symptoms of a decrease and increase in the number of red blood cells in the blood

The above indicators are typical for a blood test of a healthy person. However, these numbers may deviate upward or downward, which causes the body to react accordingly. In medicine, a decrease in the level of red blood cells is called erythropenia, and an increase is called erythrocytosis.

Symptoms of erythropenia:

Symptoms of erythrocytosis:

Diagnosis of red blood cell levels

In order to determine the level, you do not need to undergo any complex and expensive tests. This indicator can be determined using a routine general blood test (CBC). The reliability of this type of research is very high, and it can be completed free of charge under the compulsory medical insurance policy in any clinic. In paid laboratories its cost is also low.

The value of a general blood test also lies in the fact that with its help you can find out its other indicators (hemoglobin level, leukocyte formula, degree of red blood cell content).

In addition to the above, using the UAC, another important indicator is determined - the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (). In men it is normally 2–19 mm/h, and in women 2–15 mm/h. Elevated ESR numbers may indicate the presence of inflammation, anemia, or even be an indirect sign of some cancer diseases.

At the end of pregnancy, I had high ESR levels - up to 48 mm/h. I was very worried, but the doctor calmed me down, saying that during this period the erythrocyte sedimentation rate may increase, and this is not considered a pathology. This happens because the body is preparing for childbirth, the blood thickens, as if preventing possible bleeding. The main thing is that other blood parameters are normal, then an increase in ESR towards the end of pregnancy should not cause concern.

Conducting and preparing for analysis

To carry out the analysis, biomaterial (blood) is taken from the finger through a small puncture. Results are usually known the next day.

Special preparation for the study is not required, however, in order to avoid erased results, doctors recommend refraining from active physical activity, as well as drinking alcohol and smoking, the day before blood sampling.

Video: erythrocyte sedimentation rate - what the indicator says

Causes of decrease and increase in the level of red blood cells in the blood

Both a decrease and an increase in the level of red blood cells can be caused by a number of physiological or pathological reasons.

Causes of erythropenia

Erythropenia (lack of red blood cells) can be caused by a variety of reasons. Physiological erythropenia can occur in pregnant women, which is common for this category of patients, but deviations from the norm are minor and do not affect their overall well-being and health.

A decrease in red blood cells can also occur against the background of heavy bleeding, which, if it is stopped in a timely manner, is a reversible condition.

But a lack of red blood cells may also indicate pathologies. The most common of them:

• hereditary and autoimmune diseases;
• anemia of various origins;
• infectious diseases;
• impaired absorption of certain vitamins and minerals (folic acid, copper, zinc);
• kidney diseases;
• taking certain medications (analgesics, antibiotics, cytostatics).

Factors influencing erythrocytosis

Erythrocytosis (increased red blood cell count) also occurs due to a variety of causes.

This kind of condition can be caused by completely physiological circumstances, for example, a person’s long stay in high mountain areas or a long history of smoking. Then it is, in fact, a natural reaction of the body, designed to prevent hypoxia (oxygen starvation).

However, erythrocytosis is often a consequence of dangerous and serious diseases:

• hereditary pathologies;
• malignant neoplasms;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• dehydration;
• a number of chronic infectious diseases (tuberculosis, for example).

How to normalize the level of red blood cells in the blood

There are quite a large number of reasons why the red blood cell count in the blood deviates from the norm, so it is important to identify them in a timely manner and begin treatment. Therapy for disorders is aimed at eliminating the cause or disease that caused them. However, general recommendations are as follows:

• getting rid of bad habits (drinking alcohol, smoking);
• normalization of the drinking regime - an adult must consume at least 2 liters of clean drinking water per day;
• introducing a large amount of vegetables and fruits into the diet;
• normalization of lifestyle, involving moderate physical activity, avoidance of stressful situations.

Forecasts, possible consequences

Considering the functions that red blood cells perform in the body, any change in their number leads to negative consequences for human health:

Prognosis for disturbances in the level of red blood cells depends on the course and nature of the underlying disease, however, if it is detected early and treatment is started in a timely manner, they are usually favorable.

Prevention of pathological changes in the level of red blood cells in the blood

There is no specific prevention for this type of condition, since in most cases erythropenia and erythrocytosis are a consequence of other diseases and pathologies.

One has only to add that a healthy person needs to take a general blood test at least once a year in order to control its formula. If any abnormalities are detected, you should immediately consult a doctor for additional examinations.

The role of red blood cells cannot be overestimated. Therefore, their content in the blood is one of the most important indicators of the body’s condition. However, based on the test results, you should not make diagnoses and carry out treatment on your own - in case of any deviations, it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner.