Tests
A red blood cell (RBC) count measures the number of red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, in your blood. Red blood cells are made in your bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside your large bones. They contain hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein that carries oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body. Your cells need oxygen to grow, reproduce, and make energy for you to function. An RBC count that is higher or lower than normal is often the first sign of an illness. So, the test may allow you to get treatment even before you have symptoms.
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Tests
Red blood cell (RBC) indices measure your red blood cells' size, shape, and quality. Red blood cells are also known as erythrocytes. They are made in your bone marrow (the spongy tissue inside your large bones). They contain hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body. Your cells need oxygen to grow, reproduce, and make energy.
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Tests
A reticulocyte count (retic count) measures the number of reticulocytes in your blood. Reticulocytes are immature (still developing) red blood cells (RBCs). Your body makes reticulocytes in your bone marrow. Then it sends them into your blood, where they mature into red blood cells within one to two days. The main job of the red blood cells is to move oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body.
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