Red Blood Cell Count
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Red Blood Cell Count
I Have just renewed my Class 1 (successfully) but I have a little concern with my Red Blood Cell Count result. The doctors response was that it was almost too good! When I asked him what that was supposed to mean, he said that it was higher than normal.
I have looked on the internet and have found that it can be due to a number of problems from kidney's, rare diseases and dehydration.
Has anyone else had this result and should I get it checked with my GP. Could a high result affect Class 1?
I have looked on the internet and have found that it can be due to a number of problems from kidney's, rare diseases and dehydration.
Has anyone else had this result and should I get it checked with my GP. Could a high result affect Class 1?
Join Date: Aug 2001
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Few doctors, if any, would put a result aside if there was the potential for a problem.
I would discuss this with your AME and if necessary with your GP.
The most common cause for a high RBC is smoking.
I would discuss this with your AME and if necessary with your GP.
The most common cause for a high RBC is smoking.
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Yes, I thought it wasn't too serious as he would have said something or not passed me at the time. However, reading internet threads, it has made me more curious to its causes and likely futue complications.
BTW - i'm a non-smoker.
BTW - i'm a non-smoker.
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A red cell count result on its own does not provide the full picture, any diagnosis will take into account the other red cell indicies such as Haematocrit(HCT), Hb, RDW, MCV, MCH and MCHC. In addition to this a Ferritin, Iron and Transferrin tests may be indicated. If you are worried visit your GP and voice your concerns, they will order any blood tests that they feel necessary.
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Physiological causes of a high haemoglobin / RBC include a prolonged stay at altitude and peak fitness. As HelenD says, the RBC in itself is not sufficient information. Also as FD says this is almost certainly nothing to worry about.
The reference ranges of all lab tests represent a normal distribution curve, with the normal values lying within two standard deviations above or below the mean. For non-statisticians, like me, this translates into meaning that up to 5% of normal results may lie outside the normal range.
QDM
The reference ranges of all lab tests represent a normal distribution curve, with the normal values lying within two standard deviations above or below the mean. For non-statisticians, like me, this translates into meaning that up to 5% of normal results may lie outside the normal range.
QDM
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Thanks for your help everyone. I feel much better now. As suggested, I think I will still visit my GP and get it properly checked. Not really worried about the RBC count, just worried about losing a Class1!
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
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Not really worried about the RBC count, just worried about losing a Class1!
Strangely common way of looking at it, but donating some blood a few days before your medical should sort that out. Having said that you will find more appropriate advice above
Strangely common way of looking at it, but donating some blood a few days before your medical should sort that out. Having said that you will find more appropriate advice above
