RBC

Aliases: Red blood cell count, erythrocyte count, red count

Group: Complete blood count

Description:

The red blood cell (RBC) count measures the number of red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to all the cells in the body. Cells need oxygen to grow, reproduce, and stay healthy. A higher or lower than normal RBC count is often the first sign of disease. Measurement of RBCs is used to help diagnose red blood cell disorders, such as anemia, a condition in which the body does not produce enough healthy red blood cells.