Red blood cells (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, are present in blood and circulate all over the body with blood. They are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream when they mature. The major function of RBCs is delivering oxygen to the tissues in the body. A deviation or change in the morphology (shape/structure) of the RBCs or changes in RBC count affects their function and may lead to various kinds of diseases. Regular blood tests to monitor red blood cell count are essential for early detection and timely treatment, promoting a healthier and more balanced life. Let us understand red blood cells in detail.

What Are Red Blood Cells?

• RBCs are bright, red-coloured cells, which are formed inside your bone marrow. They have the shape of a doughnut or a flat disk, meaning they are round with a slight indent in the centre.
• RBCs are transported into the bloodstream after they fully develop. This process takes about seven days. Interestingly, blood appears red due to the fact that red blood cells take up 40% of it. 
• This red colour of RBCs is due to a protein called haemoglobin, which is in charge of carrying oxygen around. RBCs transport oxygen from the lungs to all the tissues in your body. This allows cells to use this oxygen in energy production. In addition, red blood cells also carry carbon dioxide waste to the lungs for you to release outside.
• Due to the absence of a nucleus, RBCs have a limited lifespan. As they circulate through the bloodstream, these cells deplete their energy reserves and typically survive for approximately 120 days.

The Importance of Red Blood Cells in the Human Body

RBCs are an integral part of the normal functioning of the human body, and anomalies in RBCs can be indicative of the following conditions:

• Nucleated RBCs may be a sign of hemolysis, hypoxia as well as leukaemias and other malignancies.
• RBCs distribution, shape, and size can be indicators of certain pathologic and disease processes. For instance, anaemia is characterised by the appearance of acanthocytes that may develop due to eryptosis (a structured breakdown of red blood cells). 
• RBCs agglutination (clumping together) is a sign of a hypercoagulable state, and small red blood cells (microcytosis), are linked to many types of microcytic anaemia, including low levels of iron and thalassemia.
• The severity of certain diseases is influenced by the morphology of red blood cells. For instance, in sickle cell disease, the level of a particular inherited haemoglobin in the blood directly impacts the degree to which red blood cells undergo breakdown or develop abnormal shapes.

Functions of Red Blood Cells

Let’s look at the functions of red blood cells in a lifespan of an RBC: 

• Haemoglobin in the RBCs has a strong affinity for oxygen in the lungs. The primary function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues to be used for metabolic processes, including the synthesis of energy.
• However, once it reaches tissues with low oxygen levels and acidity, the heme in haemoglobin loses its oxygen affinity, thus allowing the oxygen to be delivered to the tissues.
• The RBCs also collect carbon dioxide from the tissues and transport it back to the lungs for elimination.
• The carbon dioxide is converted into bicarbonate and hydrogen within the cells and transported back to the lungs. When the blood returns to the lungs, most of the carbon dioxide is exhaled. 

Understanding RBC Normal Values

A red blood cell count determines the number of red blood cells in your bloodstream and this count is typically included in a complete blood count (CBC) test, a set of tests that assess the various components of your blood. Measuring RBCs aids in diagnosing red blood cell disorders like anaemia, a condition expressed by the insufficient production of healthy red blood cells. 

Another red blood cell test is a reticulocyte count that measures the number of developing red blood cells called reticulocytes. These cells are considered immature red blood cells during their developmental stage.

To collect a blood sample, a healthcare professional will use a small needle to draw blood from a vein in your arm. Once the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be taken and placed into a test tube or vial. The entire process usually takes less than 5 minutes. 

Once you receive your results, the doctor will make a diagnosis based on your values. RBC normal range is as follows:

• For women: 3.8 to 5.2 X 10*12/L
• For Men: 4.0 to 5.9 X 10*12/L 

Low counts may indicate vitamin deficiencies, iron deficiency anaemia, kidney issues, internal bleeding, or malnutrition. High counts can be correlated to smoking, low oxygen levels, dehydration, heart disease, or pulmonary fibrosis. 

Book RBC Test With Orange Health Labs

You can book online lab tests on the Orange Health Labs website very easily. One such laboratory test you can book is the red blood cell count. Here are a few quick steps you can follow to book the red blood cell test: 

• Search for the “Orange Health Lab” site.
• Based on where you live, you can select your location.
• Next, click on “Lab Tests” in the upper-right corner.
• You can then go ahead and select the tests or choose them based on the recommendation of your doctor. 

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In conclusion, monitoring red blood cell count is crucial for assessing overall well-being. This vital parameter provides insights into oxygen transport,  anaemia issues, and other health conditions, enabling early detection and appropriate intervention for a better life.