Red blood cells

Red blood cells are also knowns as erythrocytes. They help deliver oxygen to tissues in the body, which gets converted into energy, and the tissues release carbon dioxide. The red blood cells also carry carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs for expulsion from the body.

What are the functions of red blood cells?

The main function of red blood cells is to transport oxygen from your lungs to other tissues in the body. These tissues use oxygen to produce energy and release carbon dioxide as a waste product which the red blood cells also take to the lungs for exhalation.

Do red blood cells carry oxygen?

Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to the tissues in the body.

Where does the body make red blood cells?

The body makes red blood cells in the soft bone tissues, also called the bone marrow. The soft bone tissues release the red blood cells into the bloodstream when fully mature, which usually takes around seven days.

How are the red blood cells?

The red blood cells have a bright red colour. This colour comes from the protein (haemoglobin) in the red blood cells that allow these cells to carry oxygen from the lungs to other cells in the body.

Red blood cells have a doughnut or flat disk shape with an indentation in the centre, but the cells aren’t hollow. These microscopic red blood cells do not have a nucleus like the white blood cells, which allows them to alter their shape and move easily in the body.

What do red blood cells consist of?

Red blood cells made in the bone marrow, like most cells in the body, contain haemoglobin, a protein responsible for carrying oxygen molecules.

What conditions affect red blood cells?

 Conditions that affect the red blood cells can cause the red blood cells to become too high or low. The medical conditions that cause a low red blood cell count include;

• Anaemia

  This condition causes the blood to carry less oxygen than normal, making the body feel weak, tired and cold.

• Blood loss

  When the body loses more blood cells than it can make.

• Bone marrow disorder

  When damage (lymphoma and leukaemia) occurs in the bone marrow, this is where the red blood cell is produced.

• Cancer

  Some cancers and chemotherapy treatments for cancer can affect the number of red blood cells the body produces.

Some medical conditions that may cause an elevated red blood cell count include

• Polycythaemia Vera

  An elevated red blood cell count leads to the thickening of the blood, which results in a stroke or heart attack.

• Congenital heart disease

  One or several structures in the heart are irregular, resulting from incomplete formation during foetal development.

• Lung disease

  Tissues in the lungs scar resulting from pulmonary fibrosis, COPD or emphysema

• Hypoxia

  Low oxygen level in the blood

• Carbon monoxide

  Smoking increases the risk of carbon monoxide exposure.

Symptoms of red blood cell conditions

The symptoms of red blood cell conditions include

• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Dizziness or headache
• Cold feet and hands
• Lack of energy

Why does a low blood count occur?

Common factors that contribute to low red blood cell counts include:

• Malnutrition
• Vitamin deficiency (B9, B12, and iron)
• Cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or pre-existing medical conditions

Why does a high red blood cell count occur?

Common causes of a high blood cell count include:

• Dehydration
• Living at a high elevation
• Medication conditions such as lung or heart disease
• Taking performance-enhancing drugs such as anabolic steroids
• Smoking cigarettes

What are the common tests to check red blood cell health?

A complete blood count (CBC) test checks the number of white and red blood cells in the blood. Our medical professional will take your blood sample to check your red blood cell count.

Normal range of red blood cell

The normal red blood cell range depends on the individual.

If your red blood cell count is outside this range, your healthcare provider will advise you on the additional tests or treatments needed.

Treatments for red blood cell disorders

The treatment for red blood cell disorders depends on the diagnosis and the condition’s severity. Common treatments include:

• Blood transfusion
• Eating a well-balanced diet
• Taking vitamins
• Treating any existing medical condition

How to care for red blood cells

You can maintain your healthy red blood cells by eating a balanced diet containing minerals and vitamins like vitamins B9 and B12 and iron. These vitamins and minerals are available in

• Dried berries and nuts
• Fish
• Lentils, peas and beans
• Red meat (beef) and organ meat (liver)
• Leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale

Complete blood count, including red blood cell count test, is also available. Our healthcare professionals can carry out this test if you are concerned about your red blood cell count. Call us now on 02071830244 to book an appointment for your red blood cell count test.

Frequently asked questions

What is haemoglobin in red blood cells?

Haemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen. Your haemoglobin acts like a driver in a car, helping to pick up oxygen from the lungs and transport it to the tissues in the body.

What do I need to know about red blood cells?

• Red blood cells do not have a nucleus, making them have a limited lifespan. As the red blood cell moves in the blood vessels, it uses its energy and can survive for an average of 120 days.

The blood appears red because 40% of the blood consists of red blood cells.