Red Blood Cells (RBCs)
- Sample Type
- Standard
- Fasting
- No
- Unit
- /hpf
The presence of intact Red Blood Cells in a stool sample (microscopic examination) indicates bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract. Unlike fecal occult blood tests which detect hemoglobin, microscopic RBC identification confirms the presence of whole cells, often associated with inflammatory bowel disease, bacterial dysentery, hemorrhoids, or anal fissures.
Check Your Result
Check Your Result
Enter your lab result to see where you stand compared to the standard reference range.
Why Context Matters
Results can be confounded by menstrual contamination or vigorous exercise. The clinical significance varies wildly between a simple fissure and ulcerative colitis; a second opinion ensures that findings are correlated with clinical history to avoid unnecessary invasive procedures or to prevent missing a malignancy.
Lab ranges are statistical averages, not biological laws. "Normal" for a 20-year-old male isn't normal for a 60-year-old female.
Clinical References
Source-of-truth databases and clinical guidelines for Red Blood Cells (RBCs):
Official Sources
Research & Guidelines
- PubMed: Red Blood Cells (RBCs) Clinical GuidelinesNCBI / PubMed
Related Indicators
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Binoy Babu, MBBS
Board Certified Doctor • 10+ Years Clinical Experience
Dr. Babu is a practicing physician dedicated to empowering patients with clear, actionable medical information. He founded 2opi to bridge the gap between complex lab reports and patient understanding, ensuring everyone has access to a reliable second opinion.
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