RBC, Automated

CPT Code(s):
85041

Turnaround Time:
4 hours

Specimen Requirements

Preferred Specimen:
Whole Blood

Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL

Transport Container:
Lavender Top Tube (EDTA)

Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature

Collection Instructions:
Whole blood collected in lavender EDTA tube; inverted several times to mix blood with anticoagulant.

Rejection Criteria:
Hemolysis; clotted specimen; specimen drawn in any anticoagulant other than EDTA; specimen diluted or contaminated with IV fluid; tube not filled with minimum volume; improper labeling; transfer tubes with whole blood; specimen received with plasma removed (plasma is used for other testing)

Stability Criteria

Room Temperature:
24 hours

Refrigerated:
48 hours

Frozen:
Unacceptable

Clinical Significance

The Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count test is clinically significant and diagnostically useful for evaluating the number of red blood cells in a patient's bloodstream. It provides important information about the patient's overall blood health and can help in the diagnosis and monitoring of various medical conditions. The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of RBC Count include:

1. Assessing Anemia: RBC Count is commonly used to evaluate anemia, a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or a low hemoglobin level. By measuring the RBC count, healthcare providers can determine if the patient has a low red blood cell count, which may indicate different types of anemia, such as iron deficiency anemia, vitamin deficiency anemia, or hemolytic anemia.

2. Monitoring Blood Disorders: RBC Count is useful for monitoring blood disorders, such as polycythemia vera (an abnormal increase in the number of red blood cells) and certain bone marrow disorders. It helps assess the response to treatment and determine the severity or progression of the condition.

3. Evaluating Kidney Disease: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can affect the production and lifespan of red blood cells, leading to anemia. RBC Count, along with other blood tests, is used to assess the impact of kidney disease on red blood cell production and monitor the effectiveness of treatments such as erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs).

4. Screening for Other Conditions: Abnormal RBC counts may be an indicator of underlying health conditions. For example, a high RBC count can be associated with conditions such as polycythemia vera, lung disease, or dehydration, while a low RBC count may be seen in conditions like chronic bleeding, malnutrition, or bone marrow disorders.

5. Assessing Blood Loss: RBC Count can help determine the extent of blood loss in cases of acute hemorrhage or chronic bleeding. A decrease in the RBC count may suggest ongoing blood loss, requiring further investigation and management.

6. Monitoring Response to Therapy: RBC Count is used to monitor the response to treatments such as blood transfusions, iron supplementation, or erythropoietin therapy. It helps assess the effectiveness of these interventions in increasing the red blood cell count and improving the patient's overall blood health.

In summary, RBC Count plays a vital role in evaluating anemia, monitoring blood disorders, assessing kidney disease, screening for underlying conditions, assessing blood loss, and monitoring treatment response. It provides valuable information about the patient's red blood cell count and helps guide appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and management decisions for various medical conditions related to blood health.