What does rbc stand for. What is RBC in a blood test

To date, a complete blood count is one of the most accessible and informative methods for diagnosing a person's health status. Increasingly, automated hematology analyzers are used to evaluate the blood system, and the names of the indicators in this case are displayed in an abbreviated form in English. Therefore, it is important to understand the decoding of the most significant abbreviations- such as RBC.

What is RBC in a blood test

RBC (red blood cells) - the absolute number of mature erythrocytes.

Erythrocytes (red blood cells) are the most numerous elements of the blood, the main function of which is the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. This mechanism is provided by hemoglobin, which saturates red blood cells and attaches gas molecules. Also, the structure of the erythrocyte contributes to the better oxygen transfer - it is a non-nuclear flat cell in the form of a biconcave disk. Thus, any deviation of red blood cells from the norm - an increase or decrease - may indicate the presence of a pathological process associated with respiratory function blood.

The structure and functions of red blood cells - video

Deciphering the analysis and the rate of red blood cells

The number of red blood cells in the blood depends on parameters such as age, gender, physical state a person (after exercise, during pregnancy, during illness). For men, the normal RBC is from 4 to 5.1 × 10¹² per 1 liter, for women - from 3.7 to 4.7 × 10¹² per 1 liter.

Normal number of red blood cells in children and adults - table

One milliliter of blood contains 4.5 million red blood cells.

In addition to the above factors, other physiological conditions can also affect the number of red blood cells:

• pregnancy - a decrease in red blood cells (3.0–4.57 × 10¹² in 1 l) occurs due to the fact that the volume of the mother's blood increases in order to ensure the blood supply to the fetus. Although the actual number of red blood cells remains unchanged, relative to the increasing volume of circulating blood, this figure decreases;
• menstruation - a decrease in red blood cells, especially with heavy periods, due to chronic blood loss;
• living in a mountainous area - an increase in the number of red blood cells due to oxygen starvation;
• physical exercise and stress - an increase in the level of red blood cells due to intensive oxygen consumption;
• nutrition - an increase or decrease in red blood cells with the use or lack of certain foods in the diet (for example, with vegetarianism).

Change in the level of erythrocytes

Raise

Erythrocytosis is an increase in the level of red blood cells, which can be physiological, as a variant of the norm, and pathological, due to illness.

Variant of the norm for elevated red blood cells:

• red blood cells may increase slightly after exercise;
• as a rule, people living in the mountains have an increased number of red blood cells;
• stress can cause an increase in the number of red blood cells in the bloodstream;
• dehydration leads to an increase in the number of red blood cells due to a decrease in the volume of a rare part of the blood.

A pathological increase in RBC is observed when:

• prolonged vomiting, diarrhea;
• blood diseases (for example, with polycythemia, primary erythrocytosis);
• insufficiency of the adrenal cortex;
• oncological processes in the kidneys, endocrine glands;
• respiratory diseases and cardiovascular systems(heart failure, congenital heart disease, bronchial asthma, COPD);
• excess steroid hormones (when taking hormone-containing drugs);
• prolonged smoking.

During a person's life, the human bone marrow produces 600 kg of red blood cells.

decline

Erythropenia is a condition of the body in which the level of red blood cells in the blood is below the age norm.

The causes of erythropenia can be a variety of conditions:

• blood loss of any origin (menstruation, bleeding from hemorrhoids, acute blood loss);
• insufficient intake of iron in the body;
• insufficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid (for example, after gastric resection);
• destruction of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia) - in case of heavy metal poisoning, transfusion of incompatible blood, some hereditary diseases (for example, sickle cell anemia);
• aplastic anemia (blood disease, which is characterized by inhibition of hematopoiesis in the bone marrow).

A change in RBC may indicate serious illnesses Therefore, it is very important for the purpose of prevention to regularly consult a doctor and take a general blood test in order to find out what is wrong with your body. After reading our article, you already know under what conditions a change in red blood cells is the norm, and under which it is a pathology. Use this knowledge and then you will live happily ever after.

The abbreviation RBC in the blood test denotes erythrocytes (from the English red blood cells, red blood cells). Red blood cells are blood cells whose main function is to carry oxygen from the lungs to all body tissues.

Daily in the bone marrow healthy people about 2.4 million erythrocytes are formed. Before entering the bloodstream, they lose the nucleus and many organelles. Almost their entire cavity is filled with hemoglobin - a combination of protein and iron. It is hemoglobin that gives erythrocytes their red color, for which they got their name - red blood cells. However, young red blood cells (they are called reticulocytes) contain very little hemoglobin and therefore have a gray and even blue color. Normally, their number should not exceed 2-4% of the total number of red blood cells.

The fluctuation in the number of red blood cells during pregnancy does not mean any pathology, but is one of the mechanisms of the physiological adaptation of the body to the bearing and birth of a child.

Separately, a blood test for RBC is not prescribed. This number is one of the indicators that make up the general blood test, the indications for which are:

• dispensary and preventive supervision;
• examination of pregnant women;
• diagnosis of anemia;
• examination of patients with somatic and infectious diseases(appointed simultaneously with a biochemical blood test);
• diagnosis of diseases of the hematopoietic system.

If necessary, for example, if RBCs are elevated in a blood test, an in-depth study can be prescribed - a detailed clinical blood test, which includes the determination of erythrocyte indices:

• MCV is the average volume of one erythrocyte;
• MCH- the average content of hemoglobin in one erythrocyte;
• MCHC- the concentration of hemoglobin only in the erythrocyte mass, and not in the total blood volume;
• RDW- the width of the distribution of erythrocytes, that is, the presence and concentration in the blood of red cells that differ significantly in size from the norm;
• ESR- ESR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (obsolete ROE, erythrocyte sedimentation reaction).

Clinical blood test

Clinical (general) blood test - the most common laboratory research prescribed during the examination of patients, including during medical examination. It includes counting the number of blood cells (erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets), determining the concentration of hemoglobin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, the relative content of leukocyte subpopulations and a number of other parameters.

During fetal development, to ensure normal tissue respiration, the fetus needs a significantly larger amount of red blood cells and hemoglobin than an adult.

All these parameters in the results forms have certain designations, abbreviations of English terms:

• RBC (red blood cells)- erythrocytes or red blood cells;
• WBC (white blood cells)- white blood cells or leukocytes;
• HGB (hemoglobin)- the level of hemoglobin in whole blood;
• HCT (hematocrit)- hematocrit, an index representing the percentage ratio of the volume of blood cells to the volume of blood plasma;
• PLT (platelets)- platelets;
• ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate)– ESR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

When performing extended clinical analysis blood additionally determine erythrocyte, platelet, leukocyte indices, which are also denoted by certain abbreviations.

RBC in a blood test: the norm in children

During fetal development, to ensure normal tissue respiration, the fetus needs a significantly larger amount of red blood cells and hemoglobin than an adult. After birth and the beginning of the functioning of the pulmonary circulation, the need for an increased number of red blood cells disappears, as a result of which their content decreases. Therefore, the normal amount of RBC in the blood of children does not depend on gender, but only on age.

Deciphering a blood test for RBC: the norm in women

In women of childbearing age, the normal number of red blood cells in the blood is 3.5–4.7x10 12 / l. During the period of ovulation, their level decreases slightly, and a few days before the start of the next menstruation, on the contrary, it increases. This increase is associated with the preparation of the body for the upcoming bleeding and the activation of functions. bone marrow.

About 2.4 million red blood cells are formed in the bone marrow of healthy people every day.

After 45 years, the gradual fading of ovarian function begins. This process is accompanied by a change in the composition of the blood. The normal content of erythrocytes during this period increases slightly and amounts to 3.6–5.1x10 12 / l. With the onset of menopause, the activity of physiological processes decreases, but the amount of RBC remains unchanged.

During pregnancy, the rate of red blood cells depends on the gestational age. In the first trimester, their number should be 3.9–4.8x10 12 / l. In the second trimester, blood volume begins to increase. In this case, the plasma volume increases more than the number of red blood cells. Therefore, at this time, the RBC indicator in the blood test is lowered and is 3.9–4.8x10 12 / l. Starting from the third trimester, a woman's body prepares for childbirth and for the loss of a certain amount of blood. The bone marrow produces red blood cells in large numbers, and already by the 35-36th week of pregnancy, their content in the blood reaches 4.1-5x10 12 / l. In the early postpartum period, as a result of blood loss, the content of red cells in the blood drops to 3–3.5x10 12 /l. Such a fluctuation in the number of red blood cells during pregnancy does not mean any pathology, but is one of the mechanisms of the physiological adaptation of the body to the bearing and birth of a child.

Deciphering RBC in a blood test: the norm in men

In men, unlike women, there are no regular monthly and other physiological blood loss. Therefore, the number of red blood cells in their blood is normally not subject to significant fluctuations and is 4–5x10 12 / l.

This type of analysis is important for monitoring the condition of a growing organism, as well as for monitoring the course.

Blood sampling, which also checks for(RBC) erythrocytes , does not require special, special training, but it is still necessary to fulfill some requirements and prescriptions of doctors:

• Visiting the laboratory early in the morning before eating is a general requirement for any blood sample.
• At least 8 hours before a visit to the doctor, you need to abstain from food, but fasting for more than 12 hours is also highly undesirable - this can affect the accuracy of the indicators, especially if a detailed test is carried out.
• In the diet a few days before the test, fatty, heavy and irritating foods, fried and smoked foods, alcohol and smoking should be avoided.
• Some types of drugs can change the blood picture, so they are either excluded or reported to the doctor if cancellation is not possible due to a medical condition.
• Any overload is reflected in the whole body, and in the blood too, therefore, heavy physical exercises are prohibited before the tests. It is advisable to avoid stress of any kind.

More information about the functions of red blood cells can be found in the video.

Capillary (from a fingertip) blood can be taken for analysis, or it is taken from a vein. The procedure is quick and not at all painful. After receiving the right amount of blood, the hole from the injection quickly thromboses and does not need any special care. The trace can be smeared with tincture of iodine or green paint if you have to do some work related to pollution immediately after visiting the laboratory.

Deciphering: the norm by age and during pregnancy

Number indicators are different for representatives of different sexes and ages. Minimum and maximum performance in the table, you need to multiply by 10 to the power of 12 cells per liter to obtain the desired data.

In addition to the main indicator, the so-called erythrocyte indices are also taken into account, which help to clarify data on the functioning of the blood system. These indicators are the same for everyone.

High number of red blood cells in the blood and ways to lower

Erythrocytosis - an increased number of red blood cells in the blood

An excess of red blood cells is called erythrocytosis, or polycythemia. In this case, erythrocytes demonstrate that there is a system failure in the body. Separate blood cells "stick together" with each other, forming conglomerates that can clog the lumen of individual vessels. This will lead to thrombosis and cause a cessation of blood flow through the circulatory system.

In addition, the number of red cells in the blood is influenced by the following factors:

• Outburst of emotions, severe or chronic stress, emotional shock (not necessarily negative).
• Alcohol abuse, addiction to alcoholism.
• Tobacco smoking.
• Staying in areas with low atmospheric pressure ( oxygen starvation, altitude sickness).

Methods for reducing the increased number of red cells in the blood depend on the reasons that caused them. If this condition was provoked bad habits, they must be discarded. Alcoholics should be sent to addiction treatment, and cigarette lovers should find a way to either reduce the amount they smoke to a minimum or give up tobacco altogether.

If erythrocytosis is caused by malfunctions circulatory system, would need complex treatment special preparations, which will be selected and prescribed by a doctor.

The level of red blood cells during severe overload will decrease on its own, if this is not a chronic condition, and in other cases, stress should be treated, and physical activity should be limited to a reasonable and harmless level.

Low number of red blood cells in the blood: signs and causes

Drowsiness, apathy and tachycardia are signs of a decrease in the level of red blood cells

Conditions in which the level of red blood cells in the blood is low is called. At the same time, too little oxygen enters the tissues of the body and they begin to suffer from this.

The reason for this is the low level. This red pigment contains oxygen that captures oxygen and holds it while the erythrocyte moves through the bloodstream. If the amount of hemoglobin falls, the number of oxygen atoms entering the body also decreases with it. The less red blood cells in the blood, the worse the person feels.

Signs:

• pale and cold skin
• cyanotic mucous membranes from lack of oxygen
• dizziness
• weakness
• incoordination
• drowsiness
• tinnitus and flickering dark spots in the eyes
• palpitations and shortness of breath

Especially dangerous is the condition in which erythrocytes sharply reduced for pregnant women and their gestation. Lack of oxygen can adversely affect not only physical health, but also mental development future child.Cause low scores there may be the use of a number of medications, for example, Azathioprine and Carbamazepine. analyzes and, you can identify the cause of the disease and find the best way drug treatment. It is very dangerous to take iron preparations without a medical prescription, since both a shortage and an excess of this substance equally harm the body.

Anemia is usually treated at home folk ways. Basically, this is an increase in iron levels by eating foods rich in this substance. It is believed that apples, spinach, red meat and liver are suitable for the role of such funds. It is recommended not to fry it completely, leaving it slightly damp, with "blood"

In general, nutrition should be well balanced and high in calories, especially when it comes to a pregnant woman.

Some people have a physiological decrease in the level of red blood cells, which does not cause any harm to their health and well-being. In such cases, it is treated as a variant of the norm.

A blood test can help in the diagnosis of a huge number of diseases of the blood itself, hematopoietic organs, endocrine system, oncological diseases of any organs and so on.

To date, this diagnostic method has become very accurate and unified so that any doctor from any country can understand what his colleague wrote on the other side of the world. But this unification turned out to be a problem for Russian-speaking patients, since they do not always understand the English or Latin abbreviations used by doctors.

RBC (read as “ar-b-c” or “er-be-tse”) is an abbreviation that came from of English language and denoting " red blood cells”, i.e. “Red blood cells”. Simply put, red blood cells (although it is not entirely correct to call them cells, because they do not have a nucleus).

red blood cells absolute number of erythrocytes in the blood is expressed in the number of pieces per liter.

This number is calculated by a specialist who examines blood under a microscope. A small amount of blood gets into a micropreparation, which is then viewed by laboratory staff through a special grid. After counting the number of erythrocytes in each square of the grid, the laboratory assistant multiplies them by the volume of blood and obtains the corresponding value.

Red blood cells can show pathologies in the hematopoietic organs, in which the number of red blood cells rises sharply (for example, in some forms of bone marrow cancer), the consequences of blood loss or death of red blood cells (low RBC number), this indicator is different in people different ages and gender.

Together with other indicators such as WBC (white blood cells), RBC helps to diagnose lesions of the spleen, liver and other organs.

Analysis result interpretation

Both an excess and a decrease in the number of red blood cells can be a sign of the disease. Consider common and dangerous diseases, which are associated with fluctuations in the amount of RBC:

Raise

• The most dangerous reason increase in the number of erythrocytes - bone marrow cancer. Normally, the bone marrow constantly produces new red blood cells. This happens through the constant division of specialized cells, one of which evolves into an erythrocyte, and the second remains for subsequent divisions. But with oncological damage to the bone marrow, division gets out of control, cells divide massively and much faster than normal. That is why erythrocytes begin to secrete in huge quantities.
• The second reason may be kidney disease. The fact is that some kidney pathologies are associated with an increase in erythropoietin- a hormone that promotes blood formation.
• Pathologies associated with a lack of oxygen are less common. The reason for this may be the lack of hemoglobin in each individual erythrocyte, which the body compensates for by increasing the number of erythrocytes themselves.

downgrade

In some diseases, the number of red blood cells kills dramatically. Firstly, this may be due to the same oncology of the red bone marrow, because not all forms of cancer cause uncontrolled production of blood cells, some act in the exact opposite way.

Infectious diseases can also attack red blood cells. This happens with malaria, which can be contracted in southern countries.

The norm of the number of erythrocytes

The normal amount of RBC varies among people of different sex and age. Consider normal performance in the form of a table:

RBC rate in men

In men, RBC fluctuates more significantly than in women (see table). This is due to the adaptation of a man to hard physical work and other activities that require exertion of strength.

In particular, in people involved in strength sports, the amount of RBC is increased.

Erythrocytes also rise smokers.

A decrease in red blood cells is usually caused by a lack of animal protein in the diet, the sources of which are meat and fish. Since men have more muscle mass than women, they also have a higher protein requirement.

The composition of the blood in women

In women, the composition of the blood often changes depending on the phase menstrual cycle or stages of pregnancy.

Vegetarianism during pregnancy causes particular harm to the hematopoietic system. In conditions when all the forces of the body are spent on the development of the fetus, the absence of animal protein in the diet quickly leads to a decrease in the production of red blood cells and, as a result, anemia.

It can also be affected by blood loss during childbirth or even menses(usually the amount menstrual blood does not exceed 200 ml, but in some pathologies, blood loss is more significant). In this case, the RBC rate may first fall, and then rise sharply, as the body tries to compensate for the loss of red blood cells at the expense of their immature counterparts.

The level of the indicator in children

In children, a common cause of a decrease in red blood cells is malnutrition. Lack of vitamins, proteins, iron can seriously affect the hematopoietic system, which will lead to a decrease in the production of red cells.

Children's body much more sensitive to the lack of certain substances in food, in addition, children are often unnecessarily picky in food. Therefore, with a reduced level of RBC, the first task of parents is to ensure that the child begins to eat normally. Be sure to eat meat, apples, pomegranates or pomegranate juice. You can buy hematogen at the pharmacy.

The influence of race and place of residence on blood

People whose ancestors lived for thousands of years in specific, difficult conditions adapted to these conditions by changing the composition of the blood.

In particular, among the inhabitants of mountains and hot deserts (Caucasians, Tibetans, Arabs, Tuareg), the number of red blood cells may be higher than normal. This feature is hereditary and can be passed on to a child from a blended family in accordance with the laws of inheritance.

Conclusion

Thus, RBC is an indicator that characterizes the number of red blood cells in 1 liter of blood. This indicator can change with the age of a person and depends on gender.

The descendants of highlanders or desert dwellers may also have a higher RBC than those of mild plains dwellers.

An increase in RBC may be associated with blood loss, or damage to the bone marrow.

A decrease in RBC usually indicates hunger or malnutrition, sometimes - about the defeat of the red bone marrow.