What does rbc stand for. Deciphering the RBC indicator in blood tests, the reasons for the increase or decrease in red blood cells. Deviations from the norm

General clinical blood test (CBC) is an accessible and informative diagnostic tool. KLA is the primary diagnostic procedure assigned to the patient upon admission to medical institutions.

General blood analysis

RBC in a blood test is an abbreviation for the number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) involved in the transport of oxides in the human body.

What is RBC in a blood test and what does it mean?

The doctor uses RBC readings to find out how many red blood cells a patient has. The number of red blood cells (RBC) affects the amount of oxygen received by the tissues.

According to the American Association of Clinical Chemistry, RBC in a blood test is always part of a general clinical study. KLA measures the amount of all significant blood components:

• Red blood cells.
• Leukocytes.
• Hemoglobin.
• Hematocrit.
• platelets.

Hematocrit is the volume of red blood cells in the body. The hematocrit test measures the ratio of red blood cells in the blood. Platelets are small cells that clump together to prevent excessive bleeding.

Attention! A complete blood count is part of a routine physical exam.

Symptoms inherent in abnormal RBC values ​​in a blood test

With a high or low RBC, serious complications can occur.

If the RBC in the blood test is below normal, then it is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Dizziness, weakness, or a feeling of "lightheadedness", especially with sudden changes in position.
• Tachycardia.
• Headache.
• Pale face.

If the number of red blood cells rises in the blood, then it is accompanied by the following conditions:

• Pain syndrome in diarthrosis.
• High sensitivity in the arms and legs.
• Itching of the skin, especially after a shower or bath.
• Insomnia.

Important! If you are diagnosed with a disease that affects the number of red blood cells, or you are taking medication, you must tell your doctor about this. The above factors can affect the results of the examination, lead to overdiagnosis.

How is the procedure, and how to prepare for it?

The RBC test is a simple blood test done in your doctor's office. The doctor will take blood from a vein and send the material to the laboratory. Taking biological material from a patient:

1. Clean the injection site with an antiseptic.
2. A tourniquet is wrapped around the shoulder and tightened tightly so that the veins swell and are visible.
3. Carefully insert the needle and collect blood into the attached tube.
4. Remove the tourniquet and give a cotton swab with an antiseptic for re-sterilization.
5. The material is sent to the laboratory for analysis.

The analysis does not require special preparation. The patient is obliged to inform the attending physician about the use of over-the-counter and prescription medications. It is not recommended to eat or drink water 13-14 hours before the procedure. Eliminate the use of psychotropic substances - nicotine, caffeine or alcohol.

With any blood test, there is a risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection at the injection site (especially in patients with low RBC values). The patient may feel moderate pain or burning. To reduce the risk, it is necessary to wash the injection site before the procedure.

Normal RBC values ​​in a blood test: deciphering the results

According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the normal RBC range is:

• In men, from 4.7 to 6.1 million / microliter.
• In women who are not pregnant, 4.2 to 5.4 million/microliter.
• In children, from 4.0 to 5.5 million / μl.

These ranges vary by lab or clinician.

Causes of an increased number of red blood cells in the blood

When moving to mountainous areas, the number of red blood cells in the blood may increase within a few weeks. This is due to the low oxygen content in the air. Erythrocytes are elevated in the blood when taking certain drugs: gentamicin and methyldopa. Gentamicin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. Methyldopa is an antihypertensive drug used to treat hypertension.

High red blood cell counts can occur due to sleep apnea, pulmonary fibrosis, and other conditions that reduce the supply of oxygen to the body. Anabolic steroids or growth hormone can increase RBC rates.

Causes of a reduced number of red blood cells

If RBC rates are low, this is caused by:

• anemia.
• Erythropoietin deficiency, which is the main cause of anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease.
• Hemolysis or destruction of red blood cells caused by blood transfusions or damage to blood vessels.
• Internal or external bleeding.
• Leukemia.
• Bad nutrition.
• Pregnancy.
• Disorders in the work of the thyroid gland.

When taking certain drugs, RBC levels may be lowered. Some of them:

• Chemotherapeutic drugs.
• Chloramphenicol.
• Quinidine.
• Hydantoins, which are used to treat epilepsy and muscle spasms.

Anemia is a condition in which there is not enough "healthy" oxide-carrying red blood cells. There are several types of anemia - iron deficiency, sickle cell and vitamin deficiency.

All types of anemia require treatment. Patients with this disorder feel tired and weak. They may experience headaches, hyperhidrosis of the extremities, dizziness, and arrhythmias.

Blood cancer affects the production and function of red blood cells. This condition leads to abnormal values ​​of red blood cells in the bloodstream. Each type of blood cancer has a unique effect on RBC rates. The three main types of blood cancer are:

1. Leukemia: Reduces the ability of the bone marrow to secrete platelets and red blood cells.
2. Lymphoma: Affects the white cells of the immune system.
3. Myeloma: interferes with the normal secretion of antibodies.

Advice! Depending on what type of disease the patient has, pharmacotherapy and the prognosis of the disorder depend. For any symptoms that affect the quality of life, contact your doctor to find out the cause of their occurrence.

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RBC stands for red blood cells, and RBC in a blood test is the absolute content of blood cells (erythrocytes), which contain hemoglobin and transport oxygen to organ cells and take in carbon dioxide. An increase or decrease in this indicator indicates the development of the disease. A general blood test allows you to determine the state of health of the patient.

How the analysis is carried out

It is important to properly prepare for the study, in which case it will be possible to obtain an accurate result. The analysis is carried out on an empty stomach. Eating before the study on the WBC RBC is excluded at least 4 hours in advance (it is advisable to adhere to an 8-hour fast). On the eve, it is forbidden to perform heavy physical work. You should also refrain from psycho-emotional overload. The best time for RBC analysis is in the morning.

To test for the level of red blood cells (RBC), blood is taken from a finger or vein. Moreover, doctors often examine venous blood, because the results are more informative. The data obtained in the study of capillary blood can sometimes be unreliable.

The laboratory assistant compresses the forearm with a tourniquet and asks the patient to clench and unclench his fist several times. The skin puncture site is treated with an antiseptic, a needle connected to a test tube is inserted into the venous vessel. Up to 5 cm³ of blood is taken for research. Then the needle is removed, the puncture site is treated with an alcohol solution. RBC tests can sometimes cause minor pain.

How often do you take a blood test?

Poll Options are limited because JavaScript is disabled in your browser.

Only by prescription of the attending physician 30%, 949 votes

Once a year and I think it's enough 18%, 554 vote

At least twice a year 15%, 460 votes

More than twice a year but less than six times 11%, 344 vote

I monitor my health and take it once a month 6%, 197 votes

I'm afraid of this procedure and try not to pass 4%, 135 votes

21.10.2019

Norm

The RBC norm for women, men and children is different.

adults

RBC in a blood test, the norm in an adult differs by gender. Thus, the norm for men is from 3.9 × 1012 to 5.5 × 1012 cells per liter of blood, and the norm for women is from 3.9 × 1012 to 4.7 × 1012 cells. In adult women, the rate indicating the number of red blood cells differs due to menstruation.

babies

The rate of red blood cells in 1012 per liter of blood varies by day, week and month of the baby's life:

• in cord blood - 3.9-5.5;
• in the first days of life - 4-6.6;
• by the end of the first week - 3.9-6.3;
• at 2 weeks of age - 3.6-6.2;
• in 1 month - 3-5.4;
• in a two-month-old child - 2.7-4.9;
• up to six months - 3.1-4.5;
• up to a year - 3.4-5.

Children

RBC scores in the analysis of children differ according to age:

• up to 12 years - 3.5-5 (the indicator is not affected by gender);
• in adolescents 13-16 years old - 4.1-5.5;
• 16-18 years old - 3.9-5.6.

Deviations

The decoding of the study can show both increased and decreased levels of red cells. Deviations from the norm indicate the development of a disease in the body.

Reduced

With a reduced amount of RBC, the patient needs to undergo additional medical examinations. The pathological level of RBC indicates the development of severe pathologies requiring immediate treatment.

The process of reducing the number of red blood cells in the blood means the development of erythrocytopenia in the patient. Most often, the level of these cells decreases due to anemia or massive blood loss. Among the most common causes of erythrocytopenia are:

• reinforced;
• malignant neoplasms of the hematopoietic system;
• myeloma;
• spread of metastases;
• chronic inflammatory pathologies;
• hereditary pathologies of the process of blood production;
• autoimmune pathologies;
• diseases of the kidneys and urinary organs;
• chemotherapy;
• increased water content.

In addition, RBC decreases as a result of insufficient intake of cyanocobalamin - vitamin B12. Because of this, erythropoiesis suffers, that is, the process of formation of blood cells. Some pathologies of the digestive tract lead to the fact that iron is not sufficiently absorbed in the body. Low iron content in the blood is the reason for the decrease in the amount of hemoglobin and red blood cells.

The reduction of RBC is facilitated by the use of barbiturates and their derivatives.

This is also facilitated by the observance of a diet with the rejection of meat products. The body does not receive the most important nutrients, which is why the process is disturbed in it.

In the list of the first laboratory tests prescribed for the diagnosis of diseases, there is often a blood test. The composition of this biological fluid is a direct reflection of the state of human health. The parameters to be diagnosed are often abbreviated and not always clear. For example, RBC in a blood test - what it is, how it stands for, patients do not know.

What does RBC mean in a blood test?

The abbreviation RBC as a result of a blood test indicates the number of red blood cells. The abbreviation stands for red blood cells - red blood cells. The results form displays reference values ​​that reflect the norm indicators. However, to decrypt the data, it is necessary to take into account many features.

By themselves, erythrocytes in the blood, the rate of which changes with age, are transport cells. With their help, oxygen is delivered along with blood to tissues and internal organs. Outwardly, they resemble a disc concave on both sides. This shape allows them to absorb more oxygen molecules. The cells contain hemoglobin, which gives them a red color.

RBC blood test - interpretation, norm

Having found out what RBC means in a blood test, what kind of indicator it is, let's pay attention to the features of its decoding. The formation of red blood cells occurs in the bone marrow from the precursors of the erythrocyte germ of hematopoiesis. Cells function for 120 days, after which they are utilized by the spleen and partly by the liver. Red blood cells retain their properties until their unique shape is changed. Thanks to it, the movement of red blood cells through small vessels occurs.

The number of red blood cells reflects the ability of the blood to supply oxygen. A decrease in this indicator indicates the pathology of the body. When evaluating the results of the study, doctors often pay attention to red blood cells, the rate of which varies depending on the age and gender of the patient.

RBC blood test - transcript, norm in children

As children grow and mature, red blood cells increase in number. At the same time, differences are observed depending on gender. If there are practically no differences in indicators for girls and boys, then for boys and girls they are clearly expressed. So, for newborn babies, the norm of these cells in the bloodstream should be within 4.1–7.0x10 12 /l. At this time, the body is actively supplied with oxygen. Over time, part of the red blood cells breaks down. Already by six months of life, the norm is set at the level 2.9–4.8x10 12 / l.

Even lower values ​​are observed in children who are 1 year old. By this time, the number of erythrocytes in the bloodstream is 3.1–4.6x10 12 / l. After this age, the indicator begins to gradually increase, and it differs in adolescents of different sexes. So, for girls 12-15 years old - 4.1–5.5x10 12 /l, in boys - 3.5–5.0x10 12 / l. Only in this period, the number of red blood cells in the blood of female representatives exceeds that of male representatives. With further maturation and development, there is a change in the situation in the opposite direction.

RBC blood test - transcript, norm in women

Often, after the study, a reduced RBC is detected in a blood test - the norm for women of reproductive age. This is due to the physical characteristics of the female body. Every month, cyclical changes occur in the reproductive system, ending with menstruation. Abundant spotting often causes a decrease in red blood cells. Doctors take this feature into account when evaluating the results of the analysis. In the fair sex, erythrocytes are often lowered - the norm in women is set within 4.0–4.5x10 12 / l.

RBC blood test - transcript, norm in men

Due to the physiological characteristics, large muscle mass, red blood cells in men are contained in a larger amount in the blood. In this regard, for the representatives of the stronger sex, their own RBC norm has been established. So, for men aged 18–65, this figure should be 4.5–5.5x10 12 / l. Physicians are guided directly by this figure, evaluating a blood test.

RBC blood test is elevated - what does it mean?

The condition in which elevated red blood cells are found in the blood is called erythrocytosis. The causes of this phenomenon can be both pathological (associated with the disease) and physiological. Thus, it has been found that people living in highlands always have an increased RBC index. This is due to the fact that the body tries to make up for the lack of oxygen in the body, accelerating the processes of gas exchange. However, as medical observations show, an increase in red blood cells is more often caused by pathological conditions.

Increased red blood cells - causes

Even patients about RBC in a blood test, what it is, is often unaware of an increase in the rate. At the same time, doctors cannot immediately determine why RBC is elevated: the causes of the disorder are varied, and they are not always associated with the disease. An increase in the concentration of red blood cells in the circulating blood is observed when:

• large burns;
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• increased sweating.

The pathological nature of erythrocytosis is said if a patient has a disease that provokes an increase in the concentration of red cells. Among the frequent disorders in which RBC is elevated in the analysis:

• diseases of the cardiovascular system: heart defects, heart failure;
• respiratory diseases: bronchial asthma, chronic pulmonary obstruction;
• blood diseases ();
• dysfunction of the adrenal cortex, leading to an excess of steroid hormones;
• oncology;
• prolonged diarrhea, vomiting.

Erythrocytes are increased - what to do?

If the patient's red blood cells are slightly elevated, this may be a temporary phenomenon associated with recent diarrhea or vomiting. In this case, the study is repeated after a few days. If the concentration is still at a high level, doctors order a more detailed examination of the patient to determine the cause. Therapeutic measures directly depend on the stage of the pathological process, its severity, and the patient's condition. Elimination of the pathology leads to the normalization of the erythrocyte count in the bloodstream.

RBC blood test is down - what does it mean?

The situation when red blood cells are lowered in the blood is more common in women. In some cases, the decrease is temporary and is associated with menstruation. Given this, doctors try not to prescribe an analysis at this time or take this fact into account when evaluating the results. A decrease in RBC can also be observed with hyperhydration - an excess of fluid in the body. In contrast to the physiological decline, pathologically elevated red blood cells are associated with the presence of the disease.

So, a significant decrease in the number of red blood cells may be associated with:

• different origin;
• insufficient intake of B vitamins in the body;
• (inhibition of the process of hematopoiesis in the bone marrow);
• hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells under the influence of toxic substances).

Erythrocytes are lowered - causes

A condition in which low red blood cells are recorded in the blood is called erythropenia. This condition is observed in various pathologies of the body. To figure out why RBC is lowered in a blood test, what kind of disease it is, doctors try to exclude the following pathologies:

• anemia associated with inhibition of the process of hematopoiesis in the bone marrow, transfusion of incompatible blood groups;
• ulcerative lesions of the mucous membrane of the stomach or duodenum;
• iron deficiency;
• urolithiasis disease;
• profuse blood loss;
• some autoimmune diseases.

Deciphering a blood test includes an assessment of important indicators that allow us to assume certain deviations and norms, make a correct diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment. RBC in a blood test is an important component, so this abbreviation is worth talking about in more detail.

RBC in a blood test - what is it, how does this abbreviation stand for? Such questions are often asked by patients when they study the form issued by the laboratory. These Latin letters are nothing more than the designation of red blood cells, which are better known under the name.

The primary task of erythrocytes is considered to be the transfer of oxygen from the lungs to all organs and tissues, as well as the opposite role - the transfer of carbon dioxide from tissues and organs to the lungs, from where it is excreted during breathing.

This mechanism is implemented due to saturating RBC cells. This is facilitated by the special structure and shape of erythrocytes - they are flat and resemble a biconvex disk.

If the RBC in the blood test is normal, then the respiratory function is not disturbed. Otherwise, various pathologies are possible, which the attending physician can diagnose.

Norm

RBC in the analysis in children, in men, in women is the most important indicator, therefore it is mandatory included in. When interpreting the results obtained, it is important to take into account not only the gender and age of the patient, but also other points. It is possible to assess correctly and prescribe the appropriate examination and treatment, if you also take into account: what exactly the person is sick with, what stage of the disease, whether there were pronounced physical exertion before the test, whether the woman is pregnant or not.

The RBC norm in a blood test in women, men and children:

• in women - 3.7 - 4.7 * 1012 / l;
• in men - 4 - 5.1 * 1012 / l;
• in children - the level of erythrocytes varies by months and years of life, the norm is given in the relevant tables.

What other factors can have a direct impact on the level of erythrocytes in the blood.

In addition to the factors that were described above, there are a number of conditions that affect the level of red blood cells in human blood.

These include primarily the following:

• pregnancy - during the period of bearing a child, a woman can often have. This is due to the fact that the mother's total blood volume increases, since a full blood supply to the developing fetus is necessary. At the same time, the number of erythrocytes does not change - it becomes smaller only in relation to the total volume of circulating blood;
• menstrual cycle - a decrease in the number of red blood cells is caused by blood loss, especially with heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding;
• stress and increased physical activity - lead to, since at this time oxygen consumption increases;
• long stay or permanent residence in high-altitude areas - under such conditions, oxygen starvation is observed due to inhalation of rarefied air, which, accordingly, leads to an increase in the number of red blood cells;
• nutritional features - if certain foods in the human diet are not enough, for example, with strict diets and vegetarianism, then the level of red blood cells can either increase or decrease.

Raise

RBC in a blood test can be elevated in many cases. This condition is called erythrocytosis, and it can be both pathological, caused by diseases, and physiological, observed in certain conditions. In each case of detection, an increased number of red blood cells in the blood, it is important to correctly and timely detect the cause and eliminate it with the help of medications or nutritional correction.

Elevated RBC in a blood test is observed:

• after prolonged and intense exercise, training, professional athletes;
• in people who have been living in mountainous regions for a long time;
• during a period of stress, especially prolonged;
• with dehydration (pronounced fluid loss).

There are a number of pathological conditions that can also cause an increase in the level of red blood cells in the blood.

Reasons for an increase in the number of red blood cells:

• diarrhea, especially prolonged (for example, with intestinal infections), vomiting associated with poisoning, intoxication;
• blood diseases (primary erythrocytosis or, for example);
• oncological diseases of the endocrine glands or kidneys;
• prolonged smoking;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system and respiratory system (obstructive processes in the lungs, heart failure);
• increased levels of steroid hormones in the blood, for example, if the patient is prescribed therapy with hormone-containing medications.

downgrade

Erythropenia is a condition when the number of red blood cells in the blood decreases. RBC in a blood test can be lowered under certain physiological conditions, and are also observed in a number of diseases and pathologies.

Among them, the most significant are the following:

• blood loss, especially significant (for example, with extensive injuries, heavy periods, etc.);
• deficiency of iron that enters the body with food (possibly with diets based on a reduction in the consumption of fruits and vegetables, meat dishes);
• a sharp decrease in the level of folic acid and vitamin B12 (for example, after such surgery as gastric resection);
• hemolysis of erythrocytes (with heavy metal poisoning, with transfusion);
• inhibition of the process of hematopoiesis (with aplastic anemia, for example).

Given the importance of the functions of red blood cells, it is important to control their level in the bloodstream and take timely effective measures if there are deviations from normal values.