What does RBC show in a clinical blood test? RBC blood: what is this indicator, assessment and interpretation Biochemistry rbc

RBC is an abbreviation for red blood cells in blood tests. The main functions of this formed element of blood are transport, protective and regulatory.

The formation of red blood cells (erythropoiesis) in adults occurs in the red bone marrow of flat bones. It contains so-called pluripotent stem cells - the common precursors of all blood cells. After passing through several stages of differentiation and maturation, anucleate red blood cells leave the bone marrow in the form of so-called reticulocytes (young red blood cells).

Mature red blood cells circulate in the blood for an average of 100–120 days, after which they are phagocytosed by the cells of the reticuloendothelial system of the bone marrow (in the presence of pathology, also the spleen and liver). When the life of erythrocytes is shortened and after blood loss, the rate of erythropoiesis can increase several times. The lifespan of red blood cells in men is slightly longer than in women.

Basic functions of red blood cells

The transport function of erythrocytes is that they transport O 2 and CO 2, hormones, amino acids, cholesterol, fats, polypeptides, carbohydrates, proteins, enzymes, various biologically active compounds (prostaglandins, leukotrienes, etc.), trace elements, etc. .

The transport function is provided by a special protein included in the RBC - hemoglobin. It has the ability to form compounds with oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Red blood cells play a significant role in specific and nonspecific immunity and are involved in vascular-platelet hemostasis, blood coagulation and fibrinolysis (meaning that red blood cells perform a protective function).

The regulatory function of RBC is determined by the hemoglobin contained in the cells. Red blood cells regulate blood pH, water metabolism and the ionic composition of plasma.

Determining the number of red blood cells in a blood test

A separate blood test to calculate the number of RBCs is not prescribed. The value of the indicator is usually determined as part of a general blood test.

Reasons for conducting a study to determine the number of red blood cells:

• preventive and clinical observation, including before surgical interventions;
• monitoring of drug treatment in patients with chronic anemia or bleeding;
• examination of pregnant women;
• diagnosis of anemia, polycythemia and other diseases of the hematopoietic system;
• examination of patients with infectious and somatic diseases (prescribed simultaneously with a biochemical blood test).

In the result forms, all parameters are indicated by abbreviations of English terms:

• RBC (red blood cells) - erythrocytes, or red blood cells;
• WBC (white blood cells) - leukocytes, or white blood cells;
• HGB (hemoglobin) – level of hemoglobin in whole blood;
• HCT (hematocrit) – hematocrit (an index representing the percentage ratio of the volume of blood cells to the volume of blood plasma);
• PLT (platelets) – platelets;
• ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) – ESR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

The transport function is provided by a special protein included in the RBC - hemoglobin. It has the ability to form compounds with oxygen and carbon dioxide.

If RBC is elevated in the blood test, an additional in-depth study - a comprehensive clinical blood test - may be prescribed. It includes the determination of erythrocyte indices:

• MCV – average volume of one red blood cell;
• MCH – average content of hemoglobin in one red blood cell;
• MCHC – hemoglobin concentration in the erythrocyte (not in the total blood volume);
• RDW-CV – erythrocyte distribution width, that is, the presence and concentration of red cells in the blood that differ significantly in size from the norm.

Normal RBC in children

The formation of red blood cells in the embryo occurs in the yolk sac, in the fetus - in the liver and spleen. In newborns, the RBC value in the blood test is high, which is due to the movement of blood from the placenta into the bloodstream during birth and significant loss of water later. In subsequent months, the body grows, but the formation of new red blood cells does not occur, which causes a decrease in the number of red blood cells by the third month of life.

In childhood, the number of red blood cells gradually changes. The normal level of red blood cells in the blood of children:

• up to 1 year: 3.3–4.9 x 10 12 /l;
• 1–6 years: 3.5–4.5 x 10 12 /l;
• 6–12 years: 3.5–4.7 x 10 12 /l;
• 12–16 years: 3.6–5.1 x 10 12 /l.

Interpretation of a blood test for RBC: the norm in men and women

Normally, the number of red blood cells in men is 4–5 x 10 12 /l. In the absence of pathologies of the hematopoietic system, this indicator, as a rule, does not change. In women, the number of red blood cells is lower, usually the value does not exceed 4.5 x 10 12 / l.

During pregnancy, the number of red blood cells can decrease to 3–3.5 x 10 12 / l, which does not mean pathology and is considered normal. Also in women, physiological fluctuations depend on the phase of the menstrual cycle. After 45 years, a gradual decline in ovarian function begins, the process is accompanied by changes in blood composition. When decoding a blood test for RBC, the norm for women of this age is considered to be 3.6–5.1 x 10 12 /l. With the onset of menopause, the activity of physiological processes decreases, but the number of red blood cells does not change significantly.

Reasons for deviation of the content of red blood cells in the blood from the norm

If the number of red blood cells exceeds the norm, this phenomenon is called erythrocytosis, if the number is lower - erythropenia, or anemia.

Causes of absolute erythrocytosis (increased production of red blood cells):

• erythremia (malignant disease of the bone marrow);
• conditions associated with hypoxia (due to lung diseases, heart disease, the presence of abnormal hemoglobins, increased physical activity, stay at high altitudes, obesity);
• pathologies associated with increased production of erythropoietin (in patients with kidney parenchyma cancer, hydronephrosis and polycystic kidney disease, liver parenchyma cancer, benign familial erythrocytosis);
• conditions associated with an excess of androgens or adrenocorticosteroids in the body (with pheochromocytoma, Cushing's syndrome, hyperaldosteronism).

Also in the blood test there may be increased RBC values ​​with relative erythrocytosis. A change in the number of red blood cells can be observed in the following cases:

• dehydration due to excessive vomiting, diarrhea;
• polyuria;
• diabetes;
• conditions after burns;
• emotional stress;
• smoking and alcoholism;
• insufficient fluid intake;
• arterial hypertension.

Mixed erythrocytosis is noted due to blood thickening and placental transfusion (physiological erythrocytosis of newborns).

When the life of erythrocytes is shortened and after blood loss, the rate of erythropoiesis can increase several times.

A decrease in the RBC value in a blood test is observed in the following cases:

• bleeding in acute or chronic course;
• iron, B 12 or folate deficiency anemia;
• chronic kidney disease (decreased erythropoietin synthesis);
• hypothyroidism;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• hemolysis;
• aplastic anemia;
• oncological diseases of the bone marrow or metastases of other tumors to the bone marrow;
• chronic infections;
• systemic connective tissue diseases;
• pregnancy.

Video

We offer you to watch a video on the topic of the article

Each of us has had to undergo testing at least once in our lives. Therefore, everyone knows how this process occurs. But there are times when we do not know everything about what can and cannot be done before conducting an analysis. A few words about this.

Important Rules

So, refrain from performing x-rays and physiological procedures before laboratory tests. The readings will be affected by excessive mental stress and taking medications the day before, especially intravenously or intramuscularly. If these simple rules are not followed, the results may be erroneous and lead to an incorrect diagnosis.

So, get a good night's sleep and come to the laboratory on an empty stomach. Don't forget to calm down before the fence.

Learning to interpret the results

The alphabet of blood is not that complicated. But for many, normal indicators are a mystery. How can you read them correctly on your own? What should you pay attention to first?

Here and now we will deal with forms, with columns where some elements are listed with numbers.

General blood analysis

So, you already have knowledge, but you certainly cannot prescribe treatment for yourself, adjusting your indicators to the norm.

It should be remembered that our body is a wise system. And in collaboration with an experienced doctor it will be easier to establish all its functions. A blood mirror will significantly help with this.

An erythrocyte is one of the most important components of blood cells, as it performs various vital functions: it provides tissues with oxygen, delivers nutrients to them, regulates blood clotting, etc. The norm of erythrocytes varies in different groups of the population: children, men and women (including during menstruation, pregnant and lactating women). Under certain conditions (for example, during physical activity, emotional stress, nutritional deficiency), the number of red blood cells can either increase or decrease. But there are diseases that can also be accompanied by an increase (polycythemia) or decrease () of red blood cells. Therefore, a blood test for RBC is necessary.

What is RBC in a blood test?

RBC (red blood cells) is an English abbreviation in a general blood test, translated as “red blood cells” - the so-called erythrocytes. They are biconcave discs that do not contain nuclei, with a diameter of 7–8 μm. Thanks to this shape, these cells are able to be reversibly deformed, penetrating through the small pores of the capillaries. Red blood cells live in the bloodstream for 80–120 days.

Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues, carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, enzymes and other substances. They provide a protective function through specific and nonspecific immunity, participate in hemostasis (the system of preventing spontaneous blood clotting and ensuring this process in response to damage). Regulate the acid-base composition of the blood and water-mineral metabolism.

Video: structure and functions of red blood cells

The normal level of red blood cells in the blood and factors influencing the indicator

The norm of red blood cells has gender (sex) and age characteristics, which are taken into account when deciphering the analysis.

Average number of red blood cells in children and adults - table

	Men	Women						Children
Red blood cell count (g/l)	3,9–5,5*10 12	Not pregnant	Menstruating	I trimester of pregnancy	II trimester of pregnancy	III trimester of pregnancy	Nursing	up to 6 years	boys 7 years and older	girls 7 years old and older
		3,7–4,9*10 12	Reduction in the number of red blood cells depending on the volume of blood loss	4,2–5,4*10 12	3,5–4,8*10 12	3,7–5,0*10 12	Anemia in 9–10% of cases	3,66–5,08*10 12	4,00–5,12*10 12	3,99–4,41*10 12

The change in this indicator is influenced by:

• physical activity: depending on its volume, an increase in red blood cells may occur by 10–20%;
• nutrition: during hunger, blood quality improves and the number of red blood cells increases;
• stress: as a result of compensatory-adaptive reactions, the number of red blood cells increases.

What does an increase and decrease in the indicator mean?

An increase or decrease in the indicator indicates the presence of pathology.

Polycythemia

Polycythemia (erythrocytosis) is an increase in the absolute number of red blood cells in 1 ml of blood above normal.

There are primary and secondary polycythemia. The first includes:

• Vaquez disease (chronic tumor disease of hematopoietic tissue);
• a number of hereditary diseases that arise as a result of tumor degeneration of erythroid germ cells (a population of erythrocyte precursor cells).

Secondary polycythemia can be absolute (the number of red blood cells per unit volume of blood increases due to an increase in the activity of erythropoiesis - the process of formation and maturation of red blood cells) and relative (if erythropoiesis is not activated). Secondary absolute polycythemia is observed:

• with overproduction of erythropoietin (a hormone that regulates erythropoiesis);
• with hypersensitivity to erythropoietin of erythroid cells.

Secondary relative polycythemia occurs:

if plasma volume decreases due to dehydration;

if red blood cells enter the blood from organs and tissues that are their depot - the spleen, liver, subcutaneous choroid plexus and lungs - during stress, oxygen starvation, and the entry of catecholamines (adrenaline, norepinephrine) into the blood.

Anemia

Anemia is a decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in 1 ml of blood.

Based on the etiology, they distinguish:

Unlike physiological changes in blood composition (which do not require therapeutic measures), the diseases discussed above pose a danger to human health and life and require therapeutic intervention. Therefore, determining the number of red blood cells in a general blood test is extremely important. Early detection of pathology will allow timely initiation of treatment and rehabilitation, which, in turn, will minimize the occurrence of complications and improve the quality of life.

Deciphering the blood test will show us this indicator - rbc. This abbreviation stands for red blood cells. Red blood cells are formed in the bone marrow and are red in color and are elements of blood.

The rbc test determines the level of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to every cell in the body. The norm of red cells in men is slightly higher than in women. In medical practice, red blood cells should not exceed four to five million/ml.

Red blood cells are like a lens, which has a concave shape in the middle and thick edges. They don't have a core. Rbc are 7 to 8 µm in size. Their life is short, about one hundred and twenty days. Hemoglobin is red, so red blood cells are also that color. The main component of the cell is this blood ingredient.

How are red blood cells formed?

In the red brain, a process called erythropoiesis occurs, which forms red blood cells. The bone marrow and its cells differentiate, and due to this we get red blood cells. Stem cells in the bone marrow transform into these bodies in several stages. It goes like this:

• megaloblast formation;
• from it transformation into erythroblast;
• obtaining normocyte from this substance;
• a normocyte forms a reticulocyte;
• from reticulocyte to erythrocyte.

Deciphering the process of red blood cell formation

In the bloodstream, reticulocyte formation occurs in the rbc within a few hours.

RBC and their functions

There are many main functions that red cells perform in the body:

They carry oxygen to every cell of the body, and take carbon dioxide from the lungs.

1. From the gastrointestinal tract, amino acids are transported by red blood cells to all tissues of the human body.
2. They take an active part in various chemical reactions. Enzymes are transported in large quantities to each cell.
3. Red blood cells protect the body from antigens and toxins by participating in immune processes.
4. The acid-base balance is constantly maintained by rbc.

The rate of red blood cells in humans is reduced

The norm for the male half of humanity is 4 million red blood cells/ml; for women, the norm is an order of magnitude lower. They have indicators of 3.5 million/ml. Depending on the age, the children's norm has different ranges.

A low red blood cell count in a blood test indicates the presence of anemia in your body. This may be a consequence of loss of a large amount of blood, deficiency of vitamins B12 and B9, as well as hemolysis.

Increased rate of red cells in the blood

With erythrocytosis and erythremia, rbc levels increase.

When stem cells have a tumor syndrome, primary erythrocytosis develops in the body. Precursor cells begin to divide rapidly. Such processes lead to an increase not only in red blood cells, but also in leukocytes and platelets. When inflammatory processes are present in the body, thrombocytosis and leukocytosis occur.

There are 3 types of secondary erythrocytosis:

1. Physiological blood process. If there has been prolonged hypoxia, the red blood cells will be elevated. When the body has lung disease, congenital pathologies and altitude illness.
2. Pathological erythrocytosis. The human body contains kidney cancer, cerebellar hemangioma, adrenal tumors, ovarian problems and other serious diseases. This disease can be triggered by drugs that have been used for a long time with a high content of steroids.
3. Relative process. The absolute norm is unchanged in relation to the relative indicators of the corpuscles. This occurs with prolonged vomiting, heavy sweating and diarrhea.

How to take a general blood test

In medicine, a clinical blood test is used. This analysis is taken from a finger. It is taken in the morning on an empty stomach. The evening before the test, you should not eat fatty foods. You can take a glass of clean water without gas.

These results are interpreted using an ordinary medical microscope. The color scheme, shape and size of red blood cells are examined using this device. But in the modern world there are devices such as hematology analyzers. They can determine about 24 indicators simultaneously. These devices can be used to test blood clotting.

There is a table showing the average rbc performance:

• newborns have 4.2-7.5 mg/l;
• at the age of 1 month 3.7-5.7 mg/l;
• at six months of age 3.6-4.9 mg/l;
• if the child is 1 year old 3.7-4.9 mg/l;
• from 2 months to 12 years 3.6-4.6 mg/l;
• pregnant women have 3-3.5 mg/l.

Only a doctor can correctly determine the analysis data. You cannot figure out what disease you have on your own. Deciphering these results will help a specialist identify the disease long before the external manifestation of the disease.

When the rate of red blood cells is increased, it is necessary to identify the cause of this increase. This can happen in the following cases:

1. If you are constantly stressed. You are very mentally overstrained.
2. Long stay in mountainous areas where there is a lack of oxygen.
3. Physical activity is increased.
4. Dehydration occurs in the human body.

If the rbc rate decreases, this happens for the following reasons:

1. When there is a slight loss of blood in the human body that occurs constantly.
2. The body does not have enough vitamin B12, which is characterized by a low count of blood cells in the analysis.
3. When there is damage to the mucous membrane of the stomach, intestines and duodenum.
4. If there is a lot of fluid in the body or there are stones in the bladder and kidneys.
5. During pregnancy, blood flow increases, which is why the rbc test is low.

The red blood cell count closely depends on hemoglobin readings. When hb is abnormal, then the red cell readings are also abnormal. Hemoglobin is located inside the red blood cell, which is why they are so interconnected. When the result is low, then it is hemoglobin that needs to be increased, and if it is high, then this result must also be lowered.

It is necessary to periodically take blood tests for both adults and children. Health needs constant monitoring. Timely identified pathology will save you from many troubles. This kind of concern for your health will always help you out in difficult times.

Love yourself and you will always be healthy and happy.

Hematocrit is an indicator that reflects how much blood volume is occupied by red blood cells. Hematocrit is usually expressed as a percentage: for example, a hematocrit (HCT) of 39% means that 39% of the blood volume is made up of red blood cells. An increased hematocrit occurs with erythrocytosis (increased number of red blood cells in the blood), as well as with dehydration. A decrease in hematocrit indicates anemia (a decrease in the level of red blood cells in the blood), or an increase in the amount of liquid part of the blood.

The average red blood cell volume allows the doctor to obtain information about the size of the red blood cell. Mean erythrocyte volume (MCV) is expressed in femtoliters (fl) or cubic micrometers (µm3). Red blood cells with a small average volume are found in microcytic anemia, iron deficiency anemia, etc. Red blood cells with an increased average volume are found in megaloblastic anemia (anemia that develops when there is a deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid in the body).

Platelets are small plates of blood that participate in the formation of a blood clot and prevent blood loss during vascular damage. An increase in the level of platelets in the blood occurs with some blood diseases, as well as after operations, after removal of the spleen. A decrease in platelet levels occurs in some congenital blood diseases, aplastic anemia (a malfunction of the bone marrow that produces blood cells), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (destruction of platelets due to increased activity of the immune system), cirrhosis of the liver, etc.

A lymphocyte is a type of white blood cell that is responsible for developing immunity and fighting germs and viruses. The number of lymphocytes in different analyzes can be presented as an absolute number (how many lymphocytes were detected) or as a percentage (what percentage of the total number of leukocytes are lymphocytes). The absolute lymphocyte count is usually designated LYM# or LYM. The percentage of lymphocytes is designated as LYM% or LY%. An increase in the number of lymphocytes (lymphocytosis) occurs in some infectious diseases (rubella, influenza, toxoplasmosis, infectious mononucleosis, viral hepatitis, etc.), as well as in blood diseases (chronic lymphocytic leukemia, etc.). A decrease in the number of lymphocytes (lymphopenia) occurs in severe chronic diseases, AIDS, renal failure, and taking certain medications that suppress the immune system (corticosteroids, etc.).

Granulocytes are white blood cells that contain granules (granular leukocytes). Granulocytes are represented by 3 types of cells: neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils. These cells are involved in fighting infections, inflammatory and allergic reactions. The number of granulocytes in various analyzes can be expressed in absolute terms (GRA#) and as a percentage of the total number of leukocytes (GRA%).

Granulocytes tend to be elevated when there is inflammation in the body. A decrease in the level of granulocytes occurs with aplastic anemia (loss of the ability of the bone marrow to produce blood cells), after taking certain medications, as well as with systemic lupus erythematosus (a connective tissue disease), etc.

Monocytes are leukocytes that, once in the vessels, soon emerge from them into the surrounding tissues, where they turn into macrophages (macrophages are cells that absorb and digest bacteria and dead body cells). The number of monocytes in various analyzes can be expressed in absolute numbers (MON#) and as a percentage of the total number of leukocytes (MON%). An increased content of monocytes occurs in some infectious diseases (tuberculosis, infectious mononucleosis, syphilis, etc.), rheumatoid arthritis, and blood diseases. A decrease in the level of monocytes occurs after severe operations, taking medications that suppress the immune system (corticosteroids, etc.).

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is an indicator that indirectly reflects the protein content in the blood plasma. An elevated ESR indicates possible inflammation in the body due to increased levels of inflammatory proteins in the blood. In addition, an increase in ESR occurs with anemia, malignant tumors, etc. A decrease in ESR occurs infrequently and indicates an increased content of red blood cells in the blood (erythrocytosis), or other blood diseases.

It should be noted that some laboratories indicate other norms in the test results, this is due to the presence of several methods for calculating indicators. In such cases, the interpretation of the results of a general blood test is carried out according to specified standards.

In addition to deciphering blood tests, you can also do deciphering of urine and stool tests.