RBC Normal Range: What is the Normal Count, its Cost in India

Red blood cells (RBCs) are a crucial component of blood as they have hemoglobin that transports oxygen from the lungs to all the other cells of the body. Abnormal levels of RBCs in the body can lead to various health complications. The RBC count is done through a blood test, also known as a complete blood count (CBC) test. The normal range of RBC count varies in age and gender. In this article, know about the optimum value of red blood cells in males and females at different ages of life.

Normal Red Blood Cell Count

The normal count of red blood cells varies according to your age and gender. According to the National Health Society (NHS), the normal RBC count in men is 4.7 - 6.1 million cells per microlitre. The normal RBC count ranges from 4.2 - 5.4 million cells per microliter in women.

Normal Red Blood Cell Count in Males

The normal red blood cell count in males differs according to their age. According to the Children’s Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota, the optimum value of normal RBCs at different ages in males is tabulated below:

S.No.	Age Group	RBC Count (million cells per microlitre)
1.	1 day	4.00 - 6.60
2.	1 week	3.90 - 6.30
3.	2 weeks	3.60 - 6.20
4.	1 month	3.00 - 5.40
5.	2 months	2.70 - 4.90
6.	3 - 6 months	3.10 - 4.50
7.	0.5 - 2 years	3.70 - 5.30
8.	2 - 6 years	3.90 - 5.30
9.	6 - 12 years	4.00 - 5.20
10.	12 - 18 years	4.50 - 5.30
11.	> 18 years	4.50 - 5.90

Normal Red Blood Cell Count in Females

The normal count of red blood cells in males and females is approximately the same till you are 12 years old, after which the optimum range differs. According to the Children’s Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota, the optimum value of normal RBCs at different ages in females is tabulated below:

S.No.	Age Group	RBC Count (million cells per microlitre)
1.	1 day	4.00 - 6.60
2.	1 week	3.90 - 6.30
3.	2 weeks	3.60 - 6.20
4.	1 month	3.00 - 5.40
5.	2 months	2.70 - 4.90
6.	3 - 6 months	3.10 - 4.50
7.	0.5 - 2 years	3.70 - 5.30
8.	2 - 6 years	3.90 - 5.30
9.	6 - 12 years	4.00 - 5.20
10.	12 - 18 years	4.10 - 5.10
11.	> 18 years	4.00 - 5..20

Cost of Blood Test in India

The red blood cell count is done as a part of a complete blood cell (CBC) test. The cost of a CBC test at Redcliffe Labs is approximately Rs 299/- all across India.  

Takeaway 

The normal range of red blood cells varies in each individual on the basis of their age and gender. The abnormally high or low level of RBCs in your blood can be an indication of an underlying health disorder. Now that you know the normal range of RBC count for your age and gender, you will be able to evaluate your test report and medical condition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How can I book a red blood cell count test?

It's very simple to book a test at Redcliffe labs. You can book your test by calling our center or booking it through our official website. As you book a test at Redcliffe Labs, a phlebotomist will reach your place to collect your blood sample free of cost.

• What is the way to increase the count of red blood cells?

The count of red blood cells can be increased by eating an iron-rich diet like red meat, organ meat, dried fruits, dark, leafy green vegetables, beans, egg yolks, and legumes.

• Can low red blood cell count cause serious issues?

The red blood cell count in low amounts can be dangerous. It can lead to a feeling of weakness and fatigue. In such cases, your body works harder to get enough oxygen for its cells. Low red blood cell count denotes conditions like anemia, stomach ulcers, vitamin B12 deficiency, lupus, bleeding, leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

• What does a high red blood cell count denote?

A high red blood cell count is a sign of dehydration, blood disorders, heart, lungs, or kidney disorders.

• What Is the RBC Normal Range

Several factors determine the normal range of red blood cells in the blood. These factors include age, gender, geographical region, and the type of sample being tested. Besides, different laboratory procedures, technologies, and techniques may affect the RBC's normal range. The RBC normal range is 4.2 to 5.4 million cells/mcL in females and 4.7 to 6.1 million cells/mcL in males. A person with a low RBC count has fewer oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. This condition is known as anemia. Other conditions that cause a low RBC count include infections, malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, and a variety of other medical conditions. In contrast, a person with a high RBC count has more oxygen-carrying cells in the blood. Athletes, climbers, and pilots all have physiologically elevated red blood cells. The highest number of RBCs is in infants and children, who are born with a higher amount of red blood cells than adults. The normal range of RBCs in children is between 3.9 and 5.1 million cells per microliter.