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BetterWay
Red Blood Cell Count test
  • Laboratory results in 1-2 days
  • Fasting not required
  • FSA/HSA accepted
  • Fingertip collection
  • Pharmacy convenience
  • The BetterWay Red Blood Cell Count is a fingertip blood test that measures the number of red blood cells.

    Red blood cells are the majority of cells in the bloodstream and are the reason blood is red in color. They carry oxygen from the lungs to fuel the cells and then carry carbon dioxide back to be exhaled. This test measures the number of red blood cells in the blood. Too few or too many may suggest a variety of health conditions.

    This test is also known as: erythrocyte count, red count or RBC Count.
    Understanding your results
    You will receive an email or text when your result report is ready - typically a day or two after your visit.
    Red Blood Cell Count results are reported in M/uL
    Low
    This may suggest anemia. The most common type of anemia is iron deficiency anemia, but it may also be caused by blood loss, increased red blood cell destruction, reduced red blood cell production from not having enough vitamin B12 or folic acid in your diet, or numerous other health conditions. It is important to look at other red blood cell test results to give this result more context, and to discuss this result with your clinician.
    Normal
    It is important to look at other red blood cell test results to give this result more context. Monitoring your red blood cell count for changes over time can help in early detection of anemia and other health conditions.
    High
    This may suggest heart disease, lung disease, or polycythemia vera, a disease that causes you to make too many red blood cells. It may also be caused by dehydration, smoking, or reduced oxygen from high altitudes. It is important to look at other red blood cell test results to give this result more context, and to discuss this result with your clinician.
    Questions or concerns
    About your test results?
    We encourage you to reach out to your doctor. Your doctor can help guide you on the best way to meet your individual care needs.

    BetterWay customer support cannot provide medical advice, but we are here to help you in every way we can.