RBC count

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Blood test Formed elements of blood High blood pressure tests

Overview Risks Results

RBC count

• excessive bleeding
• fainting or feeling light-headed
• hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
• multiple punctures to locate veins

• The RBC count may be decreased during pregnancy because of an increase in body fluids.
• The RBC will increase over a period of several weeks after moving to a higher altitude.
• Dehydration increases the RBC count.
• Drugs that can increase the RBC count include gentamicin and methyldopa. Drugs that can decrease the RBC count include chloramphenicol, hydantoins, and quinidine.
• Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

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