The number of red blood cells called erythrocytes in the complete blood count is one of the important tests. In a whole blood test, they are often abbreviated as RBC. Erythrocytes contain a substance in the blood called hemoglobin, which carries the oxygen needed by the body to organs and tissues.
In the neonatal period, the number of erythrocytes in the blood is physiologically high. The average lifespan of erythrocytes is 120 days in a normal person. While this period is between 50-70 days in newborns, it may be 35-50 days in premature babies.
Women generally have a lower RBC count than men, and the level of red blood cells tends to decrease with age.
In a normal blood count, the erythrocyte counts in the blood are usually as follows:
- Men – 4.0-5.9 x 10*12/L
- Women – 3.8-5.2 x 10*12/L
Normal ranges are indicative and may vary between different hospital laboratories.
Erythrocytes are examined in detail in the blood count. While looking at the total number of erythrocytes, other features are also examined separately. These:
- MCV: Mean erythrocyte volume
- RTC: Reticulocyte
- MCH: Mean erythrocyte hemoglobin
- MCHC: Mean erythrocyte hemoglobin concentration
- RDW: Erythrocyte distribution width
Evaluation of eristocytes can be done in many ways. The number and shape can be examined by performing a complete blood count (hemogram). In some cases, it may be necessary to examine the abnormal shapes of the erythrocytes, for which the peripheral blood smear is examined under a microscope. The tests may vary depending on the condition being investigated in the patient. The size of the erythrocytes may be reduced or enlarged. Growths outside the normal limits are also very important as they will have negative consequences for the patient. The dependent properties of erythrocytes in the hemogram are therefore very important. The shape or function of erythrocytes may be impaired. This condition is called anemia. When the number of erythrocytes decreases, symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, lifeless appearance of the skin, chest pain, and coldness in the tips of the hands and feet occur.
The main causes of anemia are:
- Erythrocyte production disorder (not enough red blood cells can be produced from the bone marrow)
- Bone marrow not working properly
- Bone marrow failure
- Aplastic anemia
- Infections
- Medicines
- Bone marrow failure due to cancer
- Defect in the synthesis of erythropoietin, which has an important role in the maturation of erythrocytes and 90% is released from the kidneys.
- Chronic renal failure
- Hypothyroidism
- Rheumatic diseases
- Structural and functional disorder in the maturation of erythrocytes
- Iron deficiency
- Hemoglobin structure and function disorders
- Lead poisoning
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Folic acid deficiency
- Premature destruction and destruction of erythrocytes
- Hemolytic anemias
- Causes of erythrocyte
- Defect in the erythrocyte membrane
- Enzyme deficiency in erythrocyte
- Hemoglobinopathies
- Non-erythrocyte causes
- blood losses
- Other diseases