Pitted Red Blood Cell and Total Red Blood Cell Count, Blood
This blood test measures the total number of red blood cells and evaluates the presence of pitted red blood cells. Pitted red blood cells have small indentations in their surface and may be identified during microscopic examination.
["The results help assess red blood cell quantity and whether unusual red blood cell forms are present."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58471-4
- Short code
- RBC.pitted/RBC.total NFr RBC
- Synonyms
- RBC.pitted/RBC.total NFr RBC
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- 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
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What the Test Measures
The total red blood cell count estimates the number of oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. The pitted red blood cell portion looks for red cells with small surface pits, which can sometimes be associated with red blood cell membrane abnormalities.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is collected and examined by the laboratory. The reporting method can affect how pitted red blood cells are identified, so results should be interpreted with the laboratory report and any other blood-smear findings.
Why the Test May Be Ordered
This test may be ordered as part of a complete blood count, blood-smear review, or evaluation of anemia, jaundice, an enlarged spleen, or a suspected red blood cell disorder.
Factors That Can Affect Results
Recent blood transfusions, specimen handling, medications, and conditions that cause red blood cells to fragment or change shape can influence the findings. The laboratory should review results that are unexpected or inconsistent with the rest of the blood count.
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.
A low total red blood cell count may support a diagnosis of anemia, while an increased number of pitted red blood cells can occur with certain red blood cell conditions. Neither result alone establishes a diagnosis, so findings should be interpreted by a healthcare professional alongside symptoms and other laboratory tests.
Short name
Pitted RBC and Total RBC Count
Frequently asked questions
What are pitted red blood cells?
Does a low red blood cell count always mean anemia?
Can this test show the cause of a red blood cell disorder?
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