Red cell count
(RBC)

Sample type

Blood sample ( EDTA Blood) .

Uses

1. RBC count can help diagnose anemia .

2. Other conditions that affect red blood cells:- Disorder in which red blood cells break down earlier than normal (paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria)

Precautions

1. Some medications can affect red blood cell count.

Interfering factors

1. Endogenous interferences consist of some important factors such as hemolysis.

2. Exogenous interferences include drugs and chemical additives that are used in some devices

preanalytic errors

1. Inappropriate blood collection is a major source of preanalytic errors. For instance,inappropriate filling of test tube results in excess anticoagulant, thereby diluting the blood and decreasing the red cell parameters.

2. very low temperature may lyse red blood cell

Corrective action

1. Appropriate amount of anticoagulant and dilution should be taken in consideration.

2. Anticoagulated blood may be stored at 4°C for 24 hours.

Post analytical errors

the most common mistakes are wrong validation; delayed results, not reported or reported to the wrong providers.

Corrective action

Make sure that the result are reported to the correct provider and at the correct time.

Normal RBC ranges

• Male: 4.7 to 6.1 million cells per microliter (cells/mcL)

• Female: 4.2 to 5.4 million cells/mcL