Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS website.
Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or view any of our Previous A to Z Features.
You should also know that OutUK has produced a special report about: Coronavirus Covid-19.

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This Week - X : Xtra Low Red Cell Count

A red blood cell (RBC) count is a blood test that tells you how many red blood cells you have.

Red blood cells contain a substance called haemoglobin, which transports oxygen around the body.

The amount of oxygen that's delivered to your body's tissues depends on the number of red blood cells you have and how well they work.

An RBC count is usually carried out as part of a full blood cell (FBC) count.

Women usually have a lower RBC count than men, and the level of red blood cells tends to decrease with age.

A normal RBC count would be around:

  • men - 4.0 to 5.9 x 10^12/L
  • women - 3.8 to 5.2 x 10^12/L

The normal ranges are a guide and can vary between different hospital laboratories.

The results of an RBC count can be used to help diagnose blood-related conditions, such as iron deficiency anaemia (where there are less red blood cells than normal).

A low RBC count could also indicate a vitamin B6, B12 or folate deficiency.

It may also signify internal bleeding, kidney disease or malnutrition (where a person's diet does not contain enough nutrients to meet their body's needs).

A high RBC count could be caused by a number of health conditions or health-related factors, including:

Find out more about red blood cell count at Lab Tests Online UK



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We'll have more information and advice next week on another topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features.

If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.

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