This document provides instructions for performing a red blood cell count. It describes the materials needed, including a hemacytometer, microscope, and counter. Blood samples can be fresh or anticoagulated with substances like EDTA or citrate. The procedure involves mixing a blood sample with a reagent, placing it on the hemacytometer, and counting red blood cells in specific squares under a microscope. A calculation using the cell count, volume factor, and dilution factor determines the red blood cell concentration. Normal ranges and some factors that can increase or decrease red blood cell counts are also listed.

1. 1 RBC Count

2. 2 RBC Count Number of red blood cells per a unit volume (x million / cu.mm.) ( x 106 / cu.mm.) (x 106 / mm3.) (x 106 / uL.) (x 1012 / L.)

3. 3 RBC Count (cont.) Requirement 1. Blood collection and diluting system 2. Rubber pipe 3. Plastic syringe 4. Pipette vibrator 5. Hemacytometer & cover slip (Counting chamber) 6. Microscope 7. Counter (hand tally) 8. Report form

4. 4 Specimens 1. Fresh blood 2. Anticoagulated blood EDTA Double Oxalate Citrate Heparin Etc.

5. 5 Procedure A finger is lanced and small amount of blood is allowed to accumulate Blood is drawn into the pipette Fill blood into red pipette at 0.5 mark. Fill reagent add up into the pipette to 101 mark. Shake the pipette on the vibrator for 1 min.

6. Procedure Discarded the first 3-4 drops. Fill in the hemacytometer nicely. Allow RBC to set down for 2-3 min. Count 5 red squares under microscope Calculate the RBC concentration. 6

7. 7 RBC Count (cont.) Counting 1. Count in 5 red cell squares in the middle (In 4 squares at corners and another 1 in the middle). 2. Top-left touching count 3. Using counter hand tally or hand tally

8. 8 RBC Count (cont.) 0.2 mm. W W R R 1 mm. R 0.2 mm. R R W W High 0.1 mm. 3 mm.

9. 9 RBC Count (cont.) Top Left

10. 10 RBC Count (cont.) Calculation Red cell count = number of cells counted (N) x volume factor (=50) x dilution factor (=200) = N x 10,000 Normal range = 3.8 - 6.0 x 106 / cu.mm.

11. Decrease in RBC Burns Pregnancy Anemia Iron deficiency Vit B12 Bone marrow damage 11

12. Increased RBC Dehydration Heart disease Renal problems 12