Red Blood Cell (RBC) Hemoglobin and Hematocrit Profile (Frozen Specimen)
This test measures key blood components—hemoglobin (the protein carrying oxygen) and hematocrit (the proportion of blood made up of red blood cells)—from a frozen blood sample. It helps assess your overall blood health, including red blood cell production, volume, and function.
["This test helps diagnose anemia, polycythemia, or other blood disorders by checking oxygen-carrying capacity and red blood cell volume."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 54420-5
- Short code
- Frozen RBC NB Gvn BPU
- Synonyms
- Frozen RBC NB Gvn BPU
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, or unusual bruising. It may also be used to monitor conditions like iron deficiency, kidney disease, or blood disorders. Frozen samples are often used for long-term storage or when immediate testing isn’t possible.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but avoid heavy meals or strenuous activity 24 hours before the blood draw. If you’re on blood thinners or have a history of bleeding disorders, let your doctor know. The blood sample will be drawn from a vein, usually in your arm, and frozen for later analysis.
What the Results Mean
Hemoglobin measures the oxygen-carrying capacity of your blood, while hematocrit reflects the percentage of red blood cells. Abnormal levels can indicate conditions like anemia (low levels) or polycythemia (high levels). Your doctor will interpret these results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Common Conditions This Test Helps Diagnose
Low hemoglobin or hematocrit may signal anemia (e.g., from iron deficiency, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency). High levels could suggest polycythemia (too many red blood cells) or dehydration. Chronic kidney disease or certain cancers may also affect these measurements.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is critical for diagnosing and managing blood-related disorders. It helps monitor treatment effectiveness (e.g., for anemia caused by medications or chronic illness) and guides decisions about further testing or interventions. Early detection of abnormalities can improve outcomes and prevent complications.
Short name
RBC Hemoglobin/Hematocrit Panel
Frequently asked questions
What does a frozen RBC sample mean for my results?
Can I still get this test if I’m pregnant?
How long will it take to get my results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy