Is 3.5 red blood cell count low?

Is 3.5 red blood cell count low?

Yes, a 3.5 red blood cell count is lower than normal and you probably have anemia. It can be caused by a decrease in RBC production or by the destruction or loss of RBCs. There are many possible causes of anemia, including:

· Iron deficiency

· chronic disease

· Sideroblastic anemia

· Thalassemia

· Lead poisoning

· Renal failure

· Aplastic anemia

· Pure red cell aplasia

· Myelofibrosis or myelophthisic processes

· Multiple myeloma

· Alcohol

· Liver disease

· Hypothyroidism

· Folate and Vitamin B12 deficiency

· Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)

· Drug-induced

· Hemoglobinopathies (sickle cell, thalassemias)

· Enzymopathies (G6PD deficiency, pyruvate kinase deficiency)

· Membrane defects (hereditary spherocytosis, hereditary elliptocytosis)

· Intravascular hemolysis (3)

Treatment & Management

As explained before, the answer to the question “ Is 3.5 red blood cell count low?“, is yes; so you need treatment. Treating anemia depends on what’s causing it:

– Iron deficiency: take iron supplements or receive iron infusions through veins.

– Vitamin deficiency: take vitamin supplements.

– Bone marrow failure: Your doctor may prescribe certain medications or a bone marrow transplant.

– Chronic conditions: focus on treating the underlying condition.

– Blood loss: a blood transfusion can help you. (4)

* You can enter your lab test results online and get a personalized interpretation, including your condition in each test, definition, reasons for increased or decreased results, dietary and lifestyle recommendations, potential treatments, drug interactions, etc.

Red blood cell (RBC)

A red blood cell (RBC) count measures the number of red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, in your blood. The main physiological role of RBCs is to transport gases (O2, CO2) from the lung to the tissues and to maintain systemic acid/base equilibria (1).

The normal ranges vary slightly among laboratories, but in general, are:

·         men                                   4.0 to 5.9     (×1012/L)

·         women                              3.8 to 5.2     (×1012/L) (2)

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5421513/
2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/red-blood-count/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499994/
4. https://www.healthline.com/health/rbc-count#lifestyle-changes