What are red blood cells and why are they important. How does hematocrit relate to overall health. What factors influence red blood cell count and hematocrit levels. How are red blood cells used in medical treatments. Why are blood donations crucial for healthcare systems.

The Fundamental Role of Red Blood Cells in Human Physiology

Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are a crucial component of human blood. These microscopic, disc-shaped cells are produced in the bone marrow and play a vital role in maintaining our health and well-being. A mere two or three drops of blood can contain approximately one billion red blood cells, contributing to the distinctive red color of our blood.

The primary function of red blood cells is to transport oxygen from our lungs to the rest of our body. They accomplish this task through hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules. After delivering oxygen to various tissues and organs, red blood cells return to the lungs, carrying carbon dioxide to be exhaled. This continuous cycle is essential for sustaining life and supporting bodily functions.

The Composition of Blood

Blood consists of several components, each serving a unique purpose:

• Red blood cells (erythrocytes)
• White blood cells (leukocytes)
• Platelets (thrombocytes)
• Plasma (the liquid portion of blood)

While all these components are important, red blood cells are the most abundant cellular element in blood, making up about 40-45% of its volume in healthy individuals.

Understanding Hematocrit: A Key Indicator of Blood Health

Hematocrit is a medical term that refers to the percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells. It is an important diagnostic tool used to assess overall blood health and detect various conditions.

How is hematocrit measured? The process involves centrifuging a blood sample to separate its components. The height of the red blood cell column is then compared to the total blood column height, and the ratio is expressed as a percentage. This percentage represents the hematocrit value.

Normal Hematocrit Ranges

Hematocrit levels can vary based on age, sex, and other factors. Generally, the normal ranges are:

• Adult females: 36% – 46% (0.36 – 0.46)
• Adult males: 41% – 53% (0.41 – 0.53)
• Newborns: 44% – 64%
• Children and adolescents: Varies by age, ranging from 29% – 59%

It’s important to note that these ranges can differ slightly depending on the laboratory and testing methods used.

The Relationship Between Hematocrit and Hemoglobin

Hematocrit and hemoglobin are closely related measurements, both providing valuable information about red blood cells. While hematocrit measures the percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells, hemoglobin quantifies the oxygen-carrying protein within these cells.

In most cases, the hematocrit value (expressed as a percentage) is approximately three times the hemoglobin concentration (measured in grams per deciliter) when red blood cells are of normal size and contain normal amounts of hemoglobin. For example, if a person’s hemoglobin level is 15 g/dL, their hematocrit would be expected to be around 45%.

Clinical Applications of Hematocrit and Hemoglobin Measurements

Healthcare providers use hematocrit and hemoglobin levels to assess a patient’s overall health and make important clinical decisions. For instance, these measurements are crucial in determining the need for blood transfusions. In general, transfusions are not typically considered necessary if the hemoglobin level is above 8 g/dL or the hematocrit is above 24% in an otherwise healthy individual.

However, the threshold for transfusion can vary depending on the patient’s age, overall health, and specific medical conditions. Younger individuals who can safely increase their cardiac output may tolerate a hematocrit as low as 18%, while older patients or those with compromised cardiovascular systems may require higher levels to maintain adequate oxygen delivery to tissues.

Factors Affecting Red Blood Cell Count and Hematocrit Levels

Several factors can influence an individual’s red blood cell count and hematocrit levels:

1. Age and sex
2. Altitude (higher altitudes typically result in higher hematocrit levels)
3. Hydration status
4. Nutritional factors, especially iron intake
5. Pregnancy
6. Certain medical conditions
7. Medications

Understanding these factors is crucial for interpreting hematocrit results accurately and determining appropriate medical interventions when necessary.

Low Red Blood Cell Count: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A low red blood cell count, also known as anemia, can lead to various health issues if left untreated. What are the common symptoms of anemia? Patients with anemia often experience fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and pallor. In severe cases, anemia can lead to serious complications affecting multiple organ systems.

There are several potential causes of anemia:

• Nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency
• Chronic diseases such as kidney disease or cancer
• Blood loss due to injury or gastrointestinal bleeding
• Inherited disorders like sickle cell disease or thalassemia
• Bone marrow problems affecting red blood cell production
• Certain medications

Treatment for anemia depends on its underlying cause. In many cases, dietary changes and iron supplementation can help increase red blood cell count. For more severe cases or those caused by chronic conditions, medical interventions such as blood transfusions or medications to stimulate red blood cell production may be necessary.

The Role of Nutrition in Maintaining Healthy Red Blood Cell Levels

A nutrient-rich diet plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy red blood cell levels. Which foods are particularly beneficial for boosting red blood cell production? Foods high in iron, vitamin B12, and folate are especially important:

• Iron-rich foods: Red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals
• Vitamin B12 sources: Eggs, dairy products, fish, and fortified plant-based milk alternatives
• Folate-rich foods: Leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and fortified grains

It’s important to note that there are two types of dietary iron: heme iron (found in animal products) and non-heme iron (found in plant-based foods). Heme iron is more easily absorbed by the body, but both types contribute to overall iron intake and can help maintain healthy red blood cell levels.

Medical Applications of Red Blood Cells: Transfusions and Treatments

Red blood cells are the most commonly transfused blood component in medical settings. They play a crucial role in treating various conditions and supporting patients through critical health situations.

Who benefits most from red blood cell transfusions? Patients who often require red blood cell transfusions include:

• Those with chronic anemia due to kidney failure or gastrointestinal bleeding
• Individuals experiencing acute blood loss from trauma or surgery
• Patients with blood disorders such as sickle cell disease
• People undergoing certain cancer treatments
• Premature infants with severe anemia

Red blood cell transfusions can be life-saving in many situations, helping to quickly restore oxygen-carrying capacity to the blood and supporting vital organ functions.

The Process of Collecting and Storing Red Blood Cells

Red blood cells for medical use are typically prepared from whole blood donations. After collection, the blood is processed to separate its components. The plasma (liquid portion) is removed, leaving behind concentrated red blood cells. This process allows for multiple blood components to be obtained from a single donation, maximizing its potential to help different patients.

An alternative collection method is apheresis, where only red blood cells are retained during the donation process, and the donor’s plasma and platelets are returned to them. Some donors report feeling more hydrated after this type of donation compared to whole blood donation.

How long can red blood cells be stored for medical use? Under proper storage conditions, red blood cells have a shelf life of up to 42 days, depending on the type of anticoagulant used. Additionally, they can be frozen for extended periods, potentially lasting 10 years or more, though this method is less common due to the processing required.

The Critical Importance of Blood Donations

The need for blood transfusions is constant and urgent. Recent studies indicate that blood transfusions are required every two seconds, highlighting the ongoing demand for blood products. All of these life-saving transfusions rely on the generosity of volunteer donors.

One particularly impactful way to contribute is through “Power Red” donations. What is a Power Red donation? This specialized type of donation allows donors to give two units of red blood cells in a single session, effectively doubling their impact. Power Red donations are especially valuable for helping trauma patients, surgery patients, individuals with sickle cell anemia, and others who require red blood cell transfusions.

The Impact of Blood Donations on Healthcare Systems

Blood donations play a crucial role in supporting healthcare systems and saving lives. They enable hospitals to perform complex surgeries, treat traumatic injuries, support cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and manage chronic blood disorders. Without a steady supply of donated blood, many life-saving medical procedures would be impossible.

Moreover, blood donations contribute to medical research and the development of new treatments. By studying donated blood samples, scientists can gain insights into various diseases and work towards developing more effective therapies.

To ensure a stable blood supply, blood banks and healthcare organizations continuously work to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation and encourage regular donations from eligible individuals. This ongoing effort is essential to meet the constant demand for blood products and support the health and well-being of countless patients.

Importance of Red Blood Cells

What Are Red Blood Cells?

Red blood cells, or erythrocytes, are one of the components of blood. (The others are plasma, platelets and white blood cells.) They are continuously produced in our bone marrow. Just two or three drops of blood can contain about one billion red blood cells – in fact, that’s what gives our blood that distinctive red color.

What Is the Function of Red Blood Cells?

Red blood cells carry oxygen from our lungs to the rest of our bodies. Then they make the return trip, taking carbon dioxide back to our lungs to be exhaled.

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What Does a Low Red Blood Cell Count Mean?

A low red blood cell count, known as anemia, can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness and other symptoms. If untreated, anemia can lead to serious complications. In many cases, anemia occurs when we don’t eat a nutrient rich diet; choosing foods that are rich in iron and other vitamins and minerals can help raise the red blood cell count. Learn about heme iron and which foods are considered rich in iron. 

Anemia can also be caused by pregnancy and certain medical conditions such as bleeding disorders and kidney disease. Talk to your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.

How Are Red Blood Cells Used in Medicine?

Red blood cells are the most commonly transfused blood component. Patients who benefit most from receiving red blood cells include those with chronic anemia resulting from kidney failure or gastrointestinal bleeding, and those with acute blood loss resulting from trauma. They can also be used to treat blood disorders such as sickle cell disease.

How Are Red Blood Cells Collected?

Red blood cells are prepared from whole blood by removing the plasma (the liquid portion of the blood). Sometimes this is done after a person donates a pint of whole blood, resulting in multiple components (red cells, plasma and platelets) that can be given to different patients. Learn more about the different components that can be obtained from a whole blood donation.  

Other times, it is done during the donation itself, using a process called apheresis. In this case, only the red cells are retained and the patient’s plasma and platelets are returned to them. Some donors say that this leaves them feeling more hydrated than giving a whole blood donation.

Red cells have a shelf life of up to 42 days, depending on the type of anticoagulant used when they are stored. They can also be treated and frozen for 10 years or more.

Why Donations Are So Important

Recent studies show that there is a need for blood transfusions every 2 seconds, all of which must be collected from volunteer donors. One powerful way to help is to donate what the Red Cross calls “Power Red.” By donating Power Red, you double your impact by contributing two units of red blood cells in just one donation.

Learn More About Blood Components

Platelets

Plasma

Red Blood Cells

Cryoprecipitate

Whole Blood

Hematocrit

White Blood Cells

Donate Power Red and help trauma patients, surgery patients, people with sickle cell anemia, and others.  

Lab Test: Hematocrit Level

Lab Test

• Hematocrit

Description

• Ratio of the volume of red blood cells to volume of whole
  blood expressed as a percentage or as a decimal fraction (SI
  units). 
• The
  Hct is a measure of the percentage of the total blood volume that is made up by
  the RBCs.  The height of the RBC column is measured
  after centrifugation and is compared to the height of the column
  of the total whole blood.  The ratio of the height of the RBC column
  compared with the original total blood column is multiplied by 100% and
  this is
  the Hct value.  The Hct in
  percentage points usually is approximately three times the Hgb
  concentration in g/dL when RBCs are of normal size and contain normal
  amounts of
  Hgb.

Reference Range

• Adult females, whole blood:  36%-46% (0.36-0.46)
• Adult males, whole blood: 
  41%-53% (0.41-0.53)
• Fetal and cord blood:
• 18 to 20 weeks’ gestation: 
  35.86% +/-3.29 (0.36+/0.03)
• 21 to 22 weeks’ gestation: 
  38.53% +/-3.21 (0.39+/0.03)
• 23 to 25 weeks’ gestation: 
  38.59% +/-2.41 (0.39+/0.02)
• 26 to 30 weeks’ gestation: 
  41.54%+/-3/31 (0.42+/0.03)
• Pregnant female: 
  >33%
• Child/adolescent:
• Newborn:  44%-64%
• 2-8 weeks:  39%-59%
• 2-6 months:  35%-50%
• 6 months-1 year: 
  29%-43%
• 1-6 years:  30%-40%
• 6-18 years:  32%-44%
• Critical Values:
• <21% or >65%

Clinical Application

• Decisions
  concerning the need for blood transfusion are usually based on the Hgb or the
  Hct.  In an otherwise healthy person,
  transfusion is not usually considered as long as the Hgb is above 8 g/dL or the Hct is
  above 24%.   In younger people who can
  safely and significantly increase their cardiac output, a Hct of 18% may be
  acceptable.  In an older individual with
  an already compromised oxygen-carrying capacity (caused by cardiopulmonary
  diseases), transfusion may be recommended when the Hct level is below 30%. 
• Increased
  levels may indicate:
• Erythrocytosis,
  congenital heart disease, polycythemia vera, severe dehydration (e.g., severe
  diarrhea, burns), or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 
• Decreased
  levels may indicate:
• Anemia, hemoglobinopathy, cirrhosis, hemolytic
  anemia (e.g., erythroblastosis fetalis, hemoglobinopathies, drug-induced
  hemolytic anemias, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria), hemorrhage, dietary
  deficiency, bone marrow failure, prosthetic vales, renal disease, normal
  pregnancy, rheumatoid/collagen-vascular disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis,
  lupus), lymphoma, multiple myeloma, leukemia, or Hodgkin disease.

Related Tests

• Hemoglobin – this is a measurement of the concentration of
  Hgb in the blood and is closely associated with the RBC count and Hct value.
• Red blood cell count – this is a measurement of the number
  of RBCs per cubic millimeter of blood.
• Red blood cell indices – these provide data
  about the size and Hbg content of the RBC.

Drug-Lab Interactions

• Drugs that may cause decreased levels include
  chloramphenicol and penicillin.

Test Tube Needed

• Whole blood – EDTA (lavender top) tube
• Capillary – heparin (green top) tube

Procedure

• Collect whole blood sample or capillary blood sample (only
  0.5 mL is required with capillary samples).
• Avoid hemolysis. 
• Obtain fetal blood by percutaneous umbilical blood
  sampling
• Apply pressure or a pressure dressing to the
  venipuncture site and assess the site for bleeding.

Storage and Handling

• Sample
  stable for 48 hours at 4°C or 6 hours at 23°C.

What To Tell Patient Before & After

• Explain the procedure to the patient.
• Tell the patient that no fasting is required.

References

• LaGow B et al., eds. PDR Lab Advisor. A Comprehensive
  Point-of-Care Guide for Over 600 Lab Tests. 
  First ed. Montvale, NJ: Thomson PDR; 2007.
• Pagana K, Pagana TJ eds. Mosby’s Manual of
  Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests. 5^th Ed.  St. Louis, Missouri. 2014.

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GDH blood glucose meter – eBsensor – Visgeneer – eBmonitor

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Features 90 012

Technology

GDH

Other measured parameters

hematocrit

Other specifications

USB

Display time

5 s, 10 s

Memory capacity

180 unit

Weight

75 g, 80 g (2. 6 oz)

Description

Stylish and compact design without compromising performance and accuracy.
Blood sample type – capillary and venous whole blood
Blood volume – 0.5 ml
Acceptable hematocrit range – 20% ~ 60%
Measuring range – 20 ~ 600 mg / dl (1.1 ~ 33.3 mmol / l)
Units – mg/dl and mmol/l (interchangeable)
Time display – 24H
Operating temperature range – 10 ~ 40℃
Relative humidity operating range – below 85％
Meter storage conditions – 0 ~ 50℃
Meter storage humidity range – below 95
Dimensions LxWxH (mm) – 87 x 60 x 21 mm
Power supply – two 1.5 volt AAA batteries
Data output – RS232/USB interface PC
Blood sample type – capillary whole blood
Blood volume – 0.5 ml
Acceptable hematocrit range – 20% ~ 60%
Measuring range – 20 ~ 600 mg / dl (1.1 ~ 33.3 mmol / l)
Units – mg/dl and mmol/l (interchangeable)
Time display – 24H
Operating temperature range – 10 ~ 40℃
Relative humidity operating range – below 85％
Meter storage conditions – 0 ~ 50℃
Meter storage humidity range – below 95
Dimensions LxWxH (mm) – 87 x 60 x 21 mm
Power supply – two 1. 5 volt AAA batteries
Data output – RS232/USB interface PC
Blood sample type – capillary whole blood
Blood volume – 2.5 ml
Acceptable hematocrit range – 20% ~ 60%
Measuring range – 20 ~ 600 mg / dl (1.1 ~ 33.3 mmol / l)
Units – mg/dl and mmol/l (interchangeable)
Time display – 24H
Operating temperature range – 10 ~ 40℃
Relative humidity operating range – below 85％
Meter storage conditions – 0 ~ 50℃
Meter storage humidity range – below 95
Dimensions LxWxH (mm) – 87 x 60 x 21 mm
Power supply – two 1.5 V AAA batteries
Data output – RS232/USB interface PC

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Complete blood count

Complete blood count – a laboratory test that allows you to determine the concentration of hemoglobin, the number of erythrocytes, hematocrit and erythrocyte indices (MCV, RDW, MCH, MCHC), the number of leukocytes and platelets, additionally the number of reticulocytes. And also a general clinical blood test is not complete without microscopy of the leukocyte formula and the determination of a non-specific indicator of inflammation – the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

Leukocyte formula is the percentage of different types of leukocytes – blasts, promyelocytes, myelocytes, metamyelocytes, stab neutrophils, segmented neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, lymphocytes. In addition, the doctor, using microscopy of a stained blood smear, describes various cell changes, for example, changes in erythrocytes (anisocytosis, poikilocytosis, microcytosis, macrocytosis, hypochromia, hyperchromia, etc. ). The method is indispensable in the diagnosis of hematological diseases, as it allows to detect and describe blasts and young cells, to suspect leukemia.

Blasts, promyelocytes, myelocytes, metamyelocytes are normally not found in peripheral blood.

The calculation of the leukocyte formula is carried out not only for the purpose of diagnosing blood diseases, but also to identify changes characteristic of infectious, inflammatory diseases, and is also used to assess the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of the therapy.

Reticulocytes are juvenile forms of erythrocytes that contain a granular-filamentous substance that can be detected by special staining. Reticulocytes are formed in the bone marrow from normoblasts, where they mature for 1–2 days, after which they enter the peripheral blood. The time of maturation of reticulocytes to mature erythrocytes in the peripheral blood is about 2 days. The number of reticulocytes in the blood reflects the regenerative properties of the bone marrow and is used for differential diagnosis of the type of anemia.

It is advisable to use “reticulocyte index” to assess the severity of anemia:

% reticulocytes x hematocrit of the patient / 45 x 1.85

(where: 45 is normal hematocrit, and 1.85 is the number of days required for new reticulocytes to enter the peripheral blood).

• index < 2 - evidence of a hypoproliferative component of anemia;
• index> 2 – 3 – evidence of an increase in the formation of red blood cells.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) – non-specific indicator of inflammation. In acute inflammatory and infectious processes, a change in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is noted 24 hours after an increase in temperature and an increase in the number of leukocytes. In chronic inflammation, an increase in ESR is due to an increase in the concentration of fibrinogen and immunoglobulins. The determination of ESR in dynamics, in combination with other tests, is used to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment of inflammatory and infectious diseases.