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What Does This Blood Test Report Indicate?

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Posted on Sat, 8 Nov 2014
Question: Blood test results show
RBC 5.35
HGB 15.1
HCT 45.0
what does that mean?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Absolutely normal!

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

you haven't mentioned the reason this test was ordered. Did you have symptoms?
What were the values in previous tests? If they're the same then there's no problem at all. The values you've presented are withing the normal range.
If there's a big difference between this test and your previous ones then more investigation is warranted.
Let me explain what each value means:
- RBC stands for red blood cells: this is the number of red blood cells in a specified quantity of blood (one microlitre)
- HGB stands for hemoglobin: this is measured in grams per litre. Hemoglobin is the molecule that tranports oxygen in the blood.
- HCT stands for hematocrit: this represents the volume of red blood cells in relation to the other substances in the blood. 45% means that 45% of your blood's volume consists of red blood cells.
I hope everything is clear now!
If you have further questions, please ask and I'll be glad to answer.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (58 minutes later)
This was just my regular 6 month blood work. In March the results were
RBC 5.2
HGB 14.8
HCT 42.5
so they are a little higher but not much. my doctor said these results are high.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Everything is normal

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

all your tests are normal and the variation between the two tests is not that big to justify concerns. The variation is most likely random.
The values are absolutely normal. Many women have lower values but your values are OK, particularly if you have lung disease or are a smoker. But even if you don't (or are not), the results are still OK (I can't emphasize it more!).
Since there was a slight variation between the last test and the most recent one, I would suggest you do a repeat test in 6 months. If the results are very similar then just forget about it. If the values continue to climb upwards then we'll need to reassess the situation.
There is a hematologic disease that causes the hematocrit to increase (to much higher values though) but is always accompanied by clinical findings. An enlarged spleen is almost always present. So if your doctor hasn't mentioned anything like this, you shouldn't worry. Just repeat the test to be 100% certain!
I hope I've addressed your concerns!
If you need further clarifications, please ask.

Kind Regards!
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3809 Questions

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What Does This Blood Test Report Indicate?

Brief Answer: Absolutely normal! Detailed Answer: Hello, you haven't mentioned the reason this test was ordered. Did you have symptoms? What were the values in previous tests? If they're the same then there's no problem at all. The values you've presented are withing the normal range. If there's a big difference between this test and your previous ones then more investigation is warranted. Let me explain what each value means: - RBC stands for red blood cells: this is the number of red blood cells in a specified quantity of blood (one microlitre) - HGB stands for hemoglobin: this is measured in grams per litre. Hemoglobin is the molecule that tranports oxygen in the blood. - HCT stands for hematocrit: this represents the volume of red blood cells in relation to the other substances in the blood. 45% means that 45% of your blood's volume consists of red blood cells. I hope everything is clear now! If you have further questions, please ask and I'll be glad to answer. Kind Regards!