Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count
Also known as: Erythrocyte Count
Use
Evaluate anemia and loss of red cells and suspected polycythemic condition
Special Instructions
It is important to handle the specimen properly by inverting the tube 8 to 10 times immediately after collection to ensure proper mixing with anticoagulant. Transportation should maintain the specimen at room temperature, and it should be collected in a lavender-top (EDTA) tube.
Limitations
The presence of cold agglutinins in the blood sample can falsely lower the RBC count values. This limitation must be considered when interpreting test results, especially if clinical suspicion exists for polycythemia or anemia in the face of anomalous test results.
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Hematology)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 789-8
- 789-8
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
Tube fill capacity
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA) tube
Collection Instructions
Invert tube immediately 8 to 10 times once tube is filled at time of collection.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Hemolysis; clotted specimen; tube not filled with minimum volume; improper labeling; transport tubes with whole blood; specimen drawn in any anticoagulant other than EDTA; specimen diluted or contaminated with IV fluid; specimen received with plasma removed
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 1 day |
| Refrigerated | 3 days |
| Frozen | Unstable |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant