Red Blood Cell Count (Automated)
This test measures the number of red blood cells in your blood, which helps assess your overall blood health and detect conditions like anemia or polycythemia.
["Red blood cell count helps diagnose and monitor blood disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 99777-5
- Short code
- RBC # BAL Auto
- Synonyms
- RBC # BAL Auto
- 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
- Method
- automated-count
- 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 Matters
Red blood cells (RBCs) carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Your doctor may order this test to check if your RBC count is too high or too low, which can signal health issues such as anemia, bleeding, or even dehydration.
What to Expect Before the Test
You won’t need special preparation. Typically, a simple blood draw from a vein in your arm is all that’s required. The process is quick and usually painless, though you might feel a slight pinch.
Common Conditions Monitored
Low RBC counts (anemia) may result from iron deficiency, chronic illness, or blood loss, while high RBC counts (polycythemia) could indicate conditions like dehydration, lung disease, or even blood disorders.
What Your Results Mean
Your results will compare your RBC count to a general reference range. While exact values can vary by lab, very low counts may suggest anemia, while very high counts may raise concerns about overproduction or underlying conditions.
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.
Red blood cell counts are a critical baseline for diagnosing and managing blood-related disorders. Low counts often point to nutritional deficiencies, infections, or chronic diseases, while elevated counts may signal dehydration, genetic disorders, or even cancer-related conditions like polycythemia vera.
Short name
RBC Count (Auto)
Frequently asked questions
How often is this test performed?
What are typical symptoms if my RBC count is abnormal?
Can lifestyle changes affect my RBC count?
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