Red Blood Cell (RBC) Mass Concentration in Frozen Whole Blood
This test measures the amount of red blood cells in your blood, stored as a frozen sample. It helps assess overall blood health and identify conditions like anemia or blood disorders.
["This test checks your RBC levels in a preserved blood sample to help diagnose or monitor blood-related conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 54421-3
- Short code
- Num ped units trans frozen RBC
- Synonyms
- Num ped units trans frozen RBC
- 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 healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, or shortness of breath, which could indicate low red blood cell counts. It may also be used during routine blood work or to monitor conditions like anemia, blood loss, or certain cancers.
Sample Collection and Preparation
Blood is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm, and stored as a frozen sample for later testing. This method helps maintain the integrity of your RBCs for accurate measurement.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but inform your provider about any medications or supplements you’re taking, as they may affect blood test results. Avoid strenuous activity or eating heavy meals before the blood draw.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to standard reference ranges for your age, sex, and overall health. Low RBC counts may suggest anemia or other blood disorders, while very high counts could indicate conditions like polycythemia.
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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
RBC Mass Concentration (Frozen)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
What does a low RBC mass concentration mean?
Can diet affect this test result?
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