Red blood cells (erythrocytes) carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues and remove carbon dioxide.

The RBC count is part of a Complete Blood Count (CBC) panel.

Clinical uses include:

Detecting anemia (low RBC count).

Detecting polycythemia (high RBC count).

Monitoring bone marrow function and overall hematologic health.

Supporting diagnosis of conditions such as nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, and bone marrow disorders.

Analyte: Number of red blood cells per microliter (µL) of blood.

Normal Range:

Men: 4.7 – 6.1 million/µL

Women: 4.2 – 5.4 million/µL

Children: 4.1 – 5.5 million/µL

Low RBC Count: Suggests anemia, blood loss, nutritional deficiencies (iron, B12, folate), or chronic illness.

High RBC Count: Suggests polycythemia, dehydration, lung disease, or living at high altitude.

Clinical Use:

Detects abnormal red blood cell production.

Helps classify anemia or polycythemia.

Guides further diagnostic testing and treatment.