What is the significance of a rbc test

Symptoms High red blood cell count. Sections Basics Definition Causes When to see a doctor. Definition Causes When to see a doctor. Products and services. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Tefferi A. Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. Accessed Dec. Polycythemia vera.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Symptoms of an abnormal count. Why do I need an RBC count?

How is the RBC count performed? How should I prepare for the RBC count? What are the risks of getting an RBC count? What is the normal range for an RBC count? What does a higher than normal count mean? What does a lower than normal count mean? Red blood cells and blood cancers. What if I have abnormal results? Read this next. Medically reviewed by Shuvani Sanyal, MD.

Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. RBC Indices. Ceruloplasmin Test. Medically reviewed by Kristen M. Moyer, MD. Medically reviewed by Emelia Arquilla, DO. People can also take these essential vitamins and minerals as supplements, although it is best to get nutrients from healthful foods in the diet if possible.

It is best to consume foods that provide the following nutrients:. Iron is the nutrient with most links to anemia. The body uses iron to make hemoglobin, which stores oxygen in the blood cells. Without iron, these cells may die or become unable to send oxygen around the body. Eating foods with plenty of iron can help prevent symptoms of anemia and nourish the blood.

Good sources of iron include :. Vitamin B is important for brain function and creating new RBCs. Low vitamin B levels can prevent RBCs from fully maturing. A B deficiency can trigger the development of abnormal RBCs called megaloblasts, which may lead to a condition doctors call megaloblastic anemia.

Vitamin B binds to protein in food and naturally occurs in red meat, fish, and shellfish. Dairy products, such as milk and cheese, also contain vitamin B Manufacturers often fortify breakfast cereals, milk substitutes , and nutritional yeast with vitamin B Vitamin B-9 is also known as folic acid or folate. It is an essential nutrient for the nervous system and adrenal glands. Folate also helps to create new cells in the body.

People with low levels of folate may develop anemia. Foods high in folic acid include:. While vitamin C does not directly affect RBCs, it is still important, because it helps the body absorb more iron. Iron increases the number of RBCs that the body makes. Vitamin C occurs in a variety of foods, including :. Copper is an essential mineral that helps the body use the iron in the blood. A high RBC count could be caused by a number of health conditions or health-related factors, including:.

Page last reviewed: 21 September Next review due: 21 September Red blood cell count.