Red Blood Cell Count (Manual Hematology)
This test measures the number of red blood cells (RBCs) 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-related disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 99050-7
- Short code
- RBC # BAL Manual
- Synonyms
- RBC # BAL Manual
- 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
- manual-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 and carry carbon dioxide back to your lungs. A low RBC count (anemia) may indicate iron deficiency, blood loss, or other health issues, while a high count could signal conditions like polycythemia or dehydration. This test is often part of a complete blood count (CBC) to monitor general health, detect infections, or evaluate chronic diseases.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm or hand to draw a blood sample. If you’re nervous, let your healthcare provider know—they can offer comfort measures. Avoid heavy meals before the test, as it may slightly affect blood flow.
Common Conditions Monitored
Your RBC count is used to diagnose or monitor conditions such as anemia (low RBCs), polycythemia (high RBCs), blood disorders, or chronic illnesses like kidney disease or heart failure. It may also help detect signs of infections, bleeding, or bone marrow problems.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported as a numerical value (e.g., cells per microliter) and compared to standard ranges for your age, sex, and health status. While your doctor will interpret the results in context, very low or very high counts may signal underlying issues that need further investigation.
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 cornerstone of hematology. Abnormal values can signal anemia (fatigue, weakness), polycythemia (headaches, dizziness), or other blood disorders. Regular monitoring is crucial for patients with chronic conditions like kidney disease or those undergoing treatments that affect RBC production.
Short name
RBC Count
Frequently asked questions
How often is this test done?
What factors can affect my RBC count?
Can I fast before this test?
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