A CBC test measures the number of all components in the blood, including:. Your hematocrit is the volume of red blood cells in your body. A hematocrit test measures the ratio of RBCs in your blood. Platelets are small cells that circulate in the blood and form blood clots that allow wounds to heal and prevent excessive bleeding. Your doctor may order the test if they suspect you have a condition that affects your RBCs, or if you show symptoms of low blood oxygen. These could include:.
A CBC test will often be part of a routine physical exam. It can be an indicator of your overall health. It may also be performed before a surgery. Doctors can use CBC tests to monitor conditions like leukemia and infections of the blood. You doctor will draw blood from your vein, usually on the inside of your elbow. The steps involved in the blood draw are:.
These include any over-the-counter OTC drugs or supplements. You may feel moderate pain or a sharp pricking sensation when the needle enters your arm. Certain drugs like gentamicin and methyldopa can increase your RBC count. Gentamicin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in the blood.
Methyldopa is often used to treat high blood pressure. It works by relaxing the blood vessels to allow blood to flow more easily through the body.
However, if symptoms continue, it is important to see a doctor. RBCs are the most common component of human blood. The cells contain hemoglobin, which is a protein that carries oxygen around the body. RBCs circulate the body for an average of days. After this, they go to the liver, where they break down. The body recycles their nutrients back into the cells. The bone marrow continuously produces RBCs.
If the body does not receive a regular supply of necessary nutrients, the RBCs may become malformed or die off at a faster rate than the body can replace them.
In this article, we look at dietary and lifestyle changes that support RBC production, as well as giving an overview of how to understand RBC count and recognize the symptoms of low RBC levels. A low RBC count usually occurs when a person does not eat enough essential nutrients. Eating more nutrient-dense foods can give the body the necessary tools to create functional RBCs. People can also take these essential vitamins and minerals as supplements, although it is best to get nutrients from healthful foods in the diet if possible.
It is best to consume foods that provide the following nutrients:. Iron is the nutrient with most links to anemia. The body uses iron to make hemoglobin, which stores oxygen in the blood cells. Without iron, these cells may die or become unable to send oxygen around the body.
Eating foods with plenty of iron can help prevent symptoms of anemia and nourish the blood. Good sources of iron include :. Vitamin B is important for brain function and creating new RBCs. Low vitamin B levels can prevent RBCs from fully maturing. A B deficiency can trigger the development of abnormal RBCs called megaloblasts, which may lead to a condition doctors call megaloblastic anemia.
Vitamin B binds to protein in food and naturally occurs in red meat, fish, and shellfish. In people with certain medical conditions, red blood cells have abnormal shapes.
For example, in individuals with pernicious anemia, red blood cells appear oval-shaped; and in sickle-cell anemia, crescent-shaped. A red blood cell count , also known as an erythrocyte count , calculates the number of red blood cells in your blood. It is typically measured as part of a complete blood count CBC. A high red blood cell count is a condition called polycythemia vera.
If you have this medical condition, it means that your bone marrow is producing too many red blood cells. This can result in thickening of the blood, slow flow of blood, and eventually blood clots. Your test results may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you. Normal values may vary slightly among different labs.
One example of normal values is:. An RBC count that's lower than normal can be a sign of many health problems, including:. An RBC count that is higher than normal can be a sign of many health problems, including:.
The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand. Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks.
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