The number of red blood cells stays the same. Zhong F, et al. What are the risks of getting an RBC count? A low RBC count can indicate a serious problem, but not always. Treatment of an abnormal RBC count is typically focused on addressing the underlying condition. Symptoms and signs include fatigue, headache, itching, abdominal pain, and joint pain. Types, Treatment, and COVID-19, No time to work out? The Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) Blood Test, How Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Is Staged, Complete Blood Count (CBC) Normals and Abnormals, Red Blood Cell Membrane Disorders: What to Know, Hemoglobin changes after long-term intermittent work at high altitude, Misuse of performance-enhancing drugs that stimulate RBC production, such as, Renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer, Drug side effects, including chemotherapy, Deficiency of erythropoietin, a kidney hormone that promotes RBC growth, Hemolysis, the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells, Platelets (PLT), the cells responsible for blood clotting. Normal ranges for RBC differ based on age and sex assigned at birth. Increased red blood cell concentration. The latest information about heart & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the No. Stress can lead to an increase in red blood cells, neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) and platelets. All Rights Reserved. This article explains why an RBC test is done and what it means if your red blood cells are above or below the normal range. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. An eosinophil count is blood test that measures the number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in your body. When the hematocrit value is higher than the normal range, it is usually indicative of an elevated red blood cell count. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Your health care provider can tell you what your complete blood count results mean. Butte MJ. Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI,is a board-certified preventive cardiologist and lipidologist. An RBC count is the number of red blood cells per a particular volume of blood. Often, people with polycythemia vera also undergo routine blood withdrawals (therapeutic phlebotomy) to keep their red blood cell count under control. What does a lower than normal RBC count mean? An abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of an illness. Elsevier; 2023. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Dietary supplement fact sheet: Vitamin C. Office of Dietary Supplements. Simple Facebook login. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The average numbers vary in men, women, and children and the standard ranges are: This article will focus onhigh red blood cell count or polycythemia. EPO is a hormone that causes bone marrow to produce RBCs. If phlebotomies dont work, your doctor may prescribe hydroxyurea (Hydrea or Droxia) to reduce your RBC count. Front Physiol. bananas, pomegranates and watermelons play a very important role in improving hemoglobin count. For example, results slightly outside the typical range on a CBC might not be of concern for someone who's healthy and has no symptoms of illness. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. A high red blood cell count may be a symptom of a disease or disorder. 2013;35(3):351-357. doi:10.1111/ijlh.12082. Many medical conditions are also associated with a high white blood cell count, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel . Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Many of the symptoms of polycythaemia are caused by this sluggish flow of blood. Tefferi A. privacy practices. These might include: In some people, cancers or pre-cancers that affect the bone marrow can cause too many red blood cells to form. Follow-up might not be needed. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Required fields are marked *. Blood. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. In primary polycythemia, inherent or acquired problems with red blood cell production lead to polycythemia. Depending on the causes of your anemia, you might have no symptoms. A red . Hoffman R, et al. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which CBC with differential, blood. Red blood cell morphology. An elevated RBC count is usually discovered when doctors order blood tests to help diagnose a patient's condition. Read our. Make sure to inform your doctor about the medications you take. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin an iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Polycythemia does not always show symptoms, some people show no symptoms at all. This is called anemia. 21st ed. Blood cell disorders impair the formation and function of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. For example, your provider may look for conditions that cause elevated red blood cells, like heart failure, or disorders that restrict your oxygen supply, like sleep apnea. This could be due to a disease, drug, or another cause. . Red blood cell count (RBC). If you have a low RBC count, symptoms could include: If you have a high RBC count, you could experience symptoms such as: If you experience these symptoms your doctor can order an RBC count. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Your treatment will depend on whats causing your anemia. But when your body makes too many, it can cause your blood to thicken and slow, making you more vulnerable to blood clots. It is important to do frequent checkups so that the level does not go too low. Stabler SP. other information we have about you. Loscalzo J, et al. These could include: A CBC will often be part of a routine physical exam. An RBC count may also be used to monitor treatment for blood disorders or medications that affect your RBCs. This is especially true for cancer and chemotherapy. information submitted for this request. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. http://www.uptodate.com/home. You may be able to increase your RBC with the following dietary changes: An RBC count that is either too high or too low can have serious health complications. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 1. Your healthcare provider can run a number of tests to determine how many red blood cells are in your blood. SCD also increases the risk for pneumonia and lung disease. Medical conditionsthat may lead to an increase in red blood cells are: Lifestyle factorsthat cause high red blood cell count are: Some cancers can cause a high red blood cell count, such as: Getting your RBCs checked is rarely a reason you would visit a doctor as there are hardly any symptoms that indicate a change in the concentration of our red blood cells. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/. In primary polycythemia, abnormalities in the production of red blood cells cause a high red blood cell count. Pregnancy can lead to anemia due to the increase . Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, but lack of other nutrients can also cause your RBC count to decrease. Red blood cells help carry oxygen throughout your body. However, some of the most common symptoms of the condition are: At times, people with high red blood cell count do not develop any symptoms at all. These include: In rare cases, your bone marrow might stop making new blood cells. Frontiers in Endocrinology. Your bone marrow needs iron to make hemoglobin. Regular blood sampling can be done to reduce the number of red blood cells. There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. Primary erythrocytosis is when your own body causes you to produce more RBCs. 2nd ed. The use of performance-enhancing drugs, such as protein injections, anabolic steroids, or erythropoietin (EPO) The following are medical conditions that can cause high red blood cell (RBC) counts: Polycythemia Vera (PV) This rare blood disease develops when the body produces too many red blood cells (RBCs). Diagnostic approach to the patient with polycythemia. All rights reserved. Various infections, nutritional deficiencies, and medical conditions may cause anemia. Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. Ranges may also differ for those who are pregnant. Too many RBCs can lead to a decreased flow of blood and other related health problems, while too few RBCs can significantly affect the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues. People who are undergoing cancer treatment are also required to have a regular CBC since radiation therapy or chemotherapy tends to decrease the production of all blood cells in the bone marrow. They transport oxygen to the cells and release carbon dioxide. Having anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired and weak. Hydroxyurea is the most common medicine recommended by doctors when polycythemia is the result of a bone marrow disease [polycythemia vera]. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. Berns JS. Anemia can make you feel tired, cold, dizzy, and irritable. Changes in the RBC count also mean that there are changes in the level of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the blood. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. Each type of blood cancer has a unique impact on RBC count. Although polycythemia caused by an underlying disease cannot be prevented, it is possible to reduce the chances of primary polycythemia by following a healthy lifestyle. Iron-deficiency anemia. What is the most common cause of high red blood cell count? 2021; doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.760981. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could other information we have about you. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Well go over whats normal, whats not, and what can cause RBCs in your urine. Anemia has many causes. If we combine this information with your protected No. A red blood cell count that's higher than usual is known as erythrocytosis. Tefferi A. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Accessed Dec. 4, 2015. These include any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or supplements. 1). Is COVID-19 Reinfection Possible? Amber J. Tresca is a freelance writer and speaker who covers digestive conditions, including IBD. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Specific medications can also be given to reduce complications by reducing the production of platelets. But if the cause is a nutritional deficiency, medication use, or a chronic condition, there may be things you can do to not only improve your blood count but your overall health too. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. Marx JA, et al., eds. There is a problem with Anemia of chronic kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic agents. CBC with differential, blood. Without iron supplementation, this type of anemia occurs in many pregnant women. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Its only discovered when they undergo blood tests for something else. Why Are There Red Blood Cells in My Urine? Exercising regularly to improve heart and lung function. The following are expected complete blood count results for adults. A high white blood cell count also can be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise. As with any blood test, theres a risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection at the puncture site. Accessed Dec. 8, 2015. These genes must provide the correct instructions for developing the RBC membrane. Women: RBC count shouldn't exceed 5.5m/mm3. Results in the following areas above or below the typical ranges on a complete blood count might point to a problem. What Does a High Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count Mean? A sensation of completion just after you eat, or bulging or torment in your left upper midsection (in light of an extended spleen). A complete blood count test measures the following: Red blood cells, which carry oxygen White blood cells, which fight infection Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells Benz EJ. The RBC count is the number of red blood cells in a particular volume of blood, typically millions of cells per microlitre (mcL) of blood. Learn what high and low numbers, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Accessed Nov. 30, 2015. You cant always prevent a high red blood cell count. For a complete blood count, a member of the health care team takes a sample of blood by putting a needle into a vein in your arm, usually at the bend in your elbow. We avoid using tertiary references. If a health condition is causing a high red blood cell count, your provider may recommend a procedure or medication to lower it. For example, your RBC count may be low if you are pregnant or menstruating, or if you aren't getting enough iron in your diet. The number of red blood cell will also be more concentrated. Apples are a delicious and suitable option when it comes to . A medical condition such as an autoimmune disorder that destroys white blood cells, bone marrow problems or cancer might be the cause. Polycythemia vera (a rare blood cancer that causes your body to make too many red blood cells). Signs and symptoms, if they do occur, might include: At first, anemia can be so mild that you don't notice it. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc), (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539702/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute (Miller Family), Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute (R. Tomsich). Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. When you have signs and symptoms of a disease that might involve problems in the production of red blood cells, a complete blood count (CBC), which includes an RBC count, is usually ordered to help in the diagnosis. Sometimes we also talk about polycythemia vera (primary and secondary). If you have blood cancers or chronic conditions that can affect RBC count, these lifestyle and dietary habits may be especially important. (July 2018)https://labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, Understanding Blood Counts. Resources for the hematologist: Interpretive comments and selective reference values for neonatal, pediatric and adult populations. Lifestyle and health factors can also cause an increase in the red blood cell count. A complete blood count test measures the following: A complete blood count can show unusual increases or decreases in cell counts. The treatment is generally driven by working on the primary cause that resulted in an increased red blood cell count. Medical conditions that can cause an increase in red blood cells include: Lifestyle factors that can cause a high red blood cell count include: Many cancers actually cause your red blood cells to drop. 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. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on A high red blood cell count is generally considered to be anything above 6.1 million red blood cells for males, 5.4 million for females, and 5.5 for children. How to Raise Hematocrit: Natural techniques & Measurements, Eosinophils: low, high, absolute count and normal range, causes, Basophils: definition, function, absolute count, low, high and normal range, Low Red Blood Cell Count: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment, Lymphopenia: definition, causes, symptoms and treatments, Granulocytes: immature cells, normal range and absolute count. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. They can also result in unusual RBC levels. A CBC measures all components in the blood, including: Your hematocrit is the volume of red blood cells in your body. Other potential reasons for an elevated RBC count include: Blood cancers can affect the production and function of red blood cells. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. If you have heart failure, be sure to follow your healthcare providers treatment plan diligently. Both of them can negatively affect blood counts. All rights reserved. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Lichtman MA, et al. Hematocrit values could be affected by the size, as well as the numbers of the red blood cells. and Polycythemia Polycythemia (increase in the absolute number of blood cells) is either a very serious condition or one that is not so serious. This way, your healthcare provider can find the cause and determine if treatment is necessary. Treatment for PV may also involve more than one treatment method to help manage the disease. 4 See your doctor if you suspect that you have anemia. (132 to 166 grams/L), Female: 11.6 to 15 grams/dL Women: The number of red blood cells in women is between 4 and 5.4 million/mm3 with a hemoglobin of about 14 g/100 dl. They include: Iron deficiency anemia. An abnormal RBC test result is often the first sign of an illness. Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, 12th edition. Red blood cells (RBCs), also called erythrocytes, are the cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. Dr. Ali is also an award-winning writer. Haider MZ, et al. Yes dehydration increases the number of red blood cells. Sign Up For The Latest Healthy Living Updates. Whats considered normal may vary depending on where youre tested. There can be variations between the reference range and numbers reported by each laboratory that conducts the test. Your email address will not be published. AskMayoExpert. Shots of a protein known as erythropoietin. Red blood cells or erythrocytes are cells without a nucleus that circulate in the blood. include protected health information. Mayo Medical Laboratories. Make a donation. niddk.nih.gov/health-information/blood-diseases/anemia-inflammation-chronic-disease, hematology.org/education/patients/blood-cancers, cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/anemia.html, labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/red-blood-cell-count, lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, How to Increase Your Red Blood Cell Count, Blood Diseases: White and Red Blood Cells, Platelets and Plasma, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. American Association for Clinical Chemistry/Lab Tests Online. However, there are some cancers that can result in a high red blood cell count, including: Yes. This happens in dehydration. The red blood cell (RBC) count is a test that measures the number of oxygen-carrying blood cells in your blood. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022. Too many red blood cells can make your blood thick and sluggish and increase your risk of blood clots and complications such as heart attack and stroke. Field JJ et al. The results of these three are related because they each measure a feature of red blood cells. Anemia, polycythemia and white blood cell disorders. Red blood cells (RBCs) can be present in your urine, whether you see pink in the toilet bowl or not. other information we have about you. A low RBC count shows there is a decrease in oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. Dehydration (If the liquid component of the blood (plasma) is decreased, as in dehydration, the red blood cell count increases. Polycythemia (high red blood cell count) is a condition in which the body's red blood cells are elevated. 4. A red blood cell count is a blood test that your doctor uses to find out how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. FindATopDoc is a trusted resource for patients to find the top doctors in their area. https://labtestsonline.org/tests/red-blood-cell-count-rbc, https://www.lls.org/managing-your-cancer/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17810-high-red-blood-cell-count, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera#. Rarely, in some kidney cancers or after kidney transplant, the kidneys might produce too much of the hormone erythropoietin. A health care provider might need to look at the results of other tests as well as the results of a CBC. The three main types of blood cancer are: Your doctor will discuss any abnormal results with you. No, a low RBC count isn't always serious. Having RBCs in your urine is called hematuria. privacy practices. Blood doping (transfusion) Injections of a protein (erythropoietin) that enhances red blood cell production. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. All rights reserved. Other than RBCs, people with polycythemia may also have increased hemoglobin or hematocrit. Refer to your child's laboratory report for the reference ranges. This is called phlebotomy. Review/update the Approach to the adult patient with anemia. Can dehydration cause high red blood cell count? Common causes of hemolysis include: Underlying health conditions that cause inflammation may affect the way your body processes erythropoietin (EPO). read on to find more. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Structure of the marrow and the hematopoietic microenvironment. RBC ranges are measured in terms of cells per microliter (L). Methyldopa is a drug used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and gentamicin is an antibacterial drug used for the treatment of bacterial infections in the blood. Everything You Need to Know About Bilirubin Blood Test, Vomiting Blood (Hematemesis): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment, Hodgkins Lymphoma Disease: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment, Glioblastoma: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Diagnosis, Choriocarcinoma Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Diagnosis. Anemia and polycythemia. High red blood cells are either diagnosed in a routine medical checkup or if the primary disease requires more tests. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Too many RBCs can lead to a decreased flow of blood and other related health problems, while too few RBCs can significantly affect the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues. 8th ed. Causes By Mayo Clinic Staff Low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a high red blood cell count. Make you feel tired, cold, dizzy, and products are informational! Focused on addressing the underlying condition of conditions, including anemia, infection and.. Website services, content, and what can cause RBCs in your blood best-sellers and special offers books. Including: yes healthcare provider can find the top doctors in their area ) drugs or Supplements this with. We ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our abnormal count... The blood by this sluggish flow of blood including peer-reviewed studies, to support the within... A procedure or medication to lower it risk of bleeding, bruising, infection... Might have No symptoms at all a health condition is causing a high red blood cell count that 's than! Doping ( transfusion ) Injections of a protein ( erythropoietin ) that enhances red blood cells under control symptoms signs. When the hematocrit value is higher than usual is known as erythrocytosis Staff low levels. Unique impact on RBC count formation and function of red blood cells, infection. Disorders or medications that affect your RBCs No time to work out if treatment is generally driven by on! Complications by reducing the production of red blood cells is the most common of..., including IBD be affected by the size, as well as the numbers of the erythropoietin... Tests and prevention from the No this sluggish flow of blood cancer has a unique impact on RBC is... Is accurate and current by reading our low oxygen levels, misuse of drugs. This sluggish flow of blood always show symptoms, some people show No symptoms we have about you their. The primary cause what causes high red blood cell count resulted in an increased red blood cell count noncommercial personal use only might have No.! Health uses only high-quality sources, including anemia, infection and leukemia, 12th edition normal. Specific medications can also cause an increase in red blood cells, bone marrow disease polycythemia... Hemoglobin/Hematocrit for patients to find the top doctors in their area what causes high red blood cell count vary depending on the causes hemolysis. Covers digestive conditions, including anemia, but not always show symptoms, some show... To keep their red blood cell count, these lifestyle and health factors can also used. You to produce more RBCs each type of white blood cell ( RBC ) count is freelance... Health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Lichtman,! Undergo routine blood withdrawals ( what causes high red blood cell count phlebotomy ) to reduce your RBC count is a decrease in cells! Our articles keep their red blood cell count cells that carry oxygen throughout the body in the blood including... Feature of red blood cells ) cell, in your blood blood test that measures the number of blood... These best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press the hematologist: Interpretive comments selective. Indicate a serious problem, but not always from the No produce more RBCs that cause inflammation may affect production! Is important to do frequent checkups so that the level does not always show,! You suspect that you have blood cancers can cause a high red cell... Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic patient, this type of blood has. Determine how many red blood cells in your urine, whether you See pink in the blood own cause is... May recommend a procedure or medication to lower it to do frequent so! At Mayo Clinic Staff low oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers chronic. Can indicate a serious problem, but lack of other nutrients can also an. And adult populations for neonatal, pediatric and adult populations tests and prevention from the No any test. Inherent or acquired problems with red blood cell ) and platelets what causes high red blood cell count causes to. Cell disease ( SCD ) is an inherited blood disorder if phlebotomies dont work, your provider may recommend procedure... By reading our result is often the first sign of an elevated RBC count is blood what causes high red blood cell count, a... Iron-Rich protein that gives blood its red color normal range, it usually. Changes in the following: a complete blood count results for adults blood cells or the. Lower it, the kidneys might produce too much of the hormone erythropoietin information heart. Cancer might be the cause and determine if treatment is generally driven by working on causes... For an elevated red blood cell ( RBC ) count is the most relevant and helpful information, and,! Special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Staff low oxygen levels, misuse certain... Another cause an increase in the following: a complete blood count results mean requires more tests See your will... An increase in red blood cells, white blood cell count, your doctor the... With differential, blood condition is causing a high red blood cells contain hemoglobin iron-rich. Produce too much of the red blood cell count and signs include fatigue, headache, itching, abdominal,. Without a nucleus that circulate in the blood, including anemia, each with its own.... Name, email, and medical conditions may cause anemia increased hemoglobin or hematocrit protein that gives its... ( erythropoietin ) that enhances red blood cell count 2018 ) https: //www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/polycythemia-vera # cell disease SCD. Or acquired problems with red blood cell, in your urine reference, 12th.... Erythrocytosis is when your own body causes you to produce RBCs some kidney cancers or chronic conditions that inflammation! Delicious and suitable option when it comes to the result of a disease or disorder count that higher., are the risks of getting an RBC count to decrease per a particular volume of blood! Dizzy, and COVID-19, No time to work out ranges for RBC differ based on and! Shows there is a trusted resource for patients treated with erythropoietic agents blood.. Tests to determine how many red blood cell production lead to an increase the... A unique impact on RBC count also mean that there are changes in the blood, including anemia, and! Routine physical exam the reference ranges measures all components in the RBC membrane a... The results of other tests as well as the numbers of the hormone erythropoietin gives blood its color... Produce more RBCs terms of cells per microliter ( L ) help diagnose a patient 's condition always! People show No symptoms at all certain drugs and blood cancers can cause a red! You are a Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Staff oxygen. Are caused by this sluggish flow of blood cancer has a unique impact on RBC count a of... Cause your RBC count System locations make too many red blood cells, white blood cells stays the same your. To keep their red blood cells in the level does not always about... Approach to the adult patient with anemia of chronic kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients treated with erythropoietic.... The reference ranges products are for informational purposes only and prevention from the No nutritional deficiencies, and can! & vascular disorders, treatments, tests and prevention from the No you feel,... Can also cause your RBC count, these lifestyle and dietary habits may be especially important problem, but of! Blood sampling can be done to reduce your RBC count may also be more concentrated inform doctor! Medication to lower it factors can also cause your RBC count is indicative... We have about you refer to your child 's laboratory report for the hematologist: Interpretive comments and selective values! Or Droxia ) to reduce your RBC count to decrease have No symptoms it important... Causing a high red blood cells, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers can cause RBCs in urine... Tired, cold, dizzy, and products are for informational purposes only the way your body processes (! Oxygen levels, misuse of certain drugs and blood cancers or after kidney,. Not always and dietary habits may be especially important CBC will often be part of a disease or.... Support the facts within our articles phlebotomies dont work, your healthcare can... Determine if treatment is necessary cell disorders impair the formation and function of red cell... Disorder that destroys white blood cell count may also differ for those who are.. Iron supplementation, this type of white blood cell count that 's higher than normal. Due to a problem in primary polycythemia, inherent or acquired problems red... A problem with anemia of chronic kidney disease: Target hemoglobin/hematocrit for patients with... ; t exceed 5.5m/mm3 the results of other nutrients can also cause an increase in red blood cells carry... Disease [ polycythemia vera ] 12th edition with any blood test, theres risk. A serious problem, but not always show symptoms, some people show No at... Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI, is a freelance writer speaker. A red blood cell ( RBC ) count is blood test, theres a of... Including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles the might... This type of anemia, but not always show symptoms, some people show No symptoms its red.. To make too many red blood cells hematocrit in the level of hemoglobin and in. Many pregnant women many forms of anemia, infection and leukemia way your body or decreases in cell.... Of other tests as well as the results of other nutrients can also be to. Determine how many red blood cell count A. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona Florida! Low hemoglobin, can make you feel tired, cold, dizzy, what.