The red blood cells have haemoglobin which is primarily responsible for carrying oxygen to different body parts. The overall functioning of the tissues and different organs in a human body depends on the amount of oxygen they receive. Hence, it is very important to assess the RBC count of one’s body. This can be easily done with the help of an RBC count test.

Continue reading this piece to know more about the same.

An RBC count is a measurement of the number of red blood cells or erythrocytes in an individual's blood sample. These red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the different organs in the human body. An inappropriate red blood cell count is one of the first signs of illness. Hence, this test allows an individual to get treatment even before the onset of symptoms.

An RBC count test is usually a part of the complete blood count (CBC) test. This test is usually done with the motive of assessing the change in the normal range of RBC. Plus, an RBC count is needed in the diagnosis of various blood-related conditions, such as iron deficiency anaemia. Additionally, a lower RBC count also indicates kidney disease, malnutrition, internal bleeding and deficiency of vitamin B12 and vitamin B6.

Red blood cell count is a basic blood test that can be easily performed in a doctor’s office. The steps involved in an RBC count are as follows:

Step 1: They will first clean the area using an antiseptic.

Step 2: Following this, they will wrap a rubber band around the upper arm to make the vein swell with blood.

Step 3: Then, they will insert a needle in the vein and draw out blood in a tube or vial.

Step 4: Finally, they will remove the needle and the elastic band from the person’s arm.

Medical professionals will then send the collected blood sample to the laboratory for analysis.

Usually, there are no special preparations needed before an RBC count test. However, the doctor might ask you to:

• Not do intense exercise or workout
• Reduce and relax stress
• Drink a lot of water
• Delay or avoid taking certain drugs or medications

Note: Make sure to inform your doctors about the supplements and medicines you are taking.

In case an individual has a high RBC count, it means they have erythrocytosis. This leads to the blood getting thicker than usual and increases the odds of blood clots. A higher RBC count is caused due to the following reasons:

• Heart failure leading to low oxygen levels in the blood
• Congenital heart disease
• Polycythaemia vera
• Kidney tumours
• Lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema
• Dehydration
• Residing at a high altitude
• Exposure to carbon monoxide
• Using performance-enhancing drugs, such as erythropoietin or testosterone

In case an individual has a low RBC count, it means they have anaemia. This is generally caused by a decrease in the production of RBCs or a loss of RBCs. However, some of the most common causes of low RBC count are as follows:

• Certain medicines, such as chemotherapy drugs, antiretroviral drugs to treat HIV infection, etc.
• Blood loss
• Anaemia
• Leukaemia
• Chronic kidney diseases
• Cirrhosis
• Vitamin B-12 deficiency
• Stomach ulcers
• Lupus
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Hodgkin lymphoma
• Lead poisoning
• Multiple myeloma
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Low RBC count can be treated in the following ways:

• Consuming iron supplements or receiving iron infusions
• Consuming vitamin supplements 
• Blood transfusion