Red Blood Cell Count

Also known as: RBC count; Erythrocyte count; Red count

Formal name: Red Blood Cell Count

Related tests: Complete blood count; Blood smear

At a Glance

Why Get Tested?

To evaluate any change in the number of red blood cells in your blood

When to Get Tested?

As part of a complete blood count (CBC), which may be ordered for a variety of reasons

Sample Required?

A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm or by a fingerstick (children and adults) or heelstick (newborns)

Test Preparation Needed?

None

This article was last reviewed on February 5, 2008. | This page was last modified on November 6, 2009.

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