Equis ISSN 2398-2977
Blood: erythrocyte count (RBC)
Synonym(s): RBC
Contributor(s): Kathleen P Freeman, Frank Taylor
Overview
- Red blood cell count is a measure of the number of circulating red cells.
- Measured in (RBC) numbers x 10*12/l or 10e9/ul.
- Normally evaluated using automated cell counters.
- Variation between different breeds and types (also variation within types).
- Spleen normally retains 30% of RBC in a resting horse but these can be quickly released on exercise or excitement (including blood sampling!).
- Number of circulating red cells very labile.
Sampling
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Tests
Methodologies
- Normally automatic cell counters used. Manual counting method using hemoccytmeter can be used if automated equipment is not available.
Availability
- Widely available at commercial laboratories.
- In-hospital testing.
Validity
Specificity
Technique (intrinsic) limitations
- Significant differences between ages (foal vs adult), breeds and types.
- Variation follows a normal distribution curve.
- Some normal individuals will have apparently abnormal results (and vice versa).
- Always interpret results in the light of clinical exmination.
Result Data
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Barrelet A (2004)Laboratory tests in equine practice Part 2: Haematological analyses. UK Vet9(8), 13-23.
Other sources of information
- Morris D D (1998)diseases of the hemolymphatic System.In Equine Internal MedicineS M Reed and W M Bayly (eds). W B Saunders, Philadelphia, pp 558-601.
Organisation(s)
- Veterinary commercial laboratories, State diagnostic laboratories or Veterinary College laboratories.