Clarilab

Blood count

Red blood cells test

Also called RBC count

The number of oxygen-carrying red cells.

Typical range
Women 4.2–5.4, men 4.7–6.1 million per µL.
Usual recheck
About 1 month when out of range

Why it's done

Part of the CBC, read together with haemoglobin.

What a high result can mean

Dehydration, smoking, or a lung or bone marrow condition.

What a low result can mean

Anaemia or blood loss.

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More blood count tests

Complete blood count (CBC)Counts your red cells, white cells and platelets, and measures haemoglobin. HemoglobinThe protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. White blood cellsThe cells that fight infection. PlateletsCell fragments that help blood clot. Hematocrit (HCT/PCV)The share of your blood made up of red cells. MCVThe average size of your red cells.