Red Blood Cell Count levels: what's normal, high and low
The number of oxygen-carrying red cells in your blood.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
Red Blood Cell Count is measured with a standard blood draw; no fasting is needed. A typical reference range is 4.70 – 6.10 10^6/uL (male, age 18+; more bands below). At TestWell it's $21.99 all-in as CBC with Differential, results in 1–3 business days, drawn at Quest or Labcorp. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- 10^6/uL / M/uL / x10E6/uL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- Not required
- Results
- 1–3 business days
- Price
- $21.99
- Labs
- Quest or Labcorp · BioReference in NY/NJ
Red Blood Cell Count Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| Male, age 18+ | 4.70 – 6.10 10^6/uL |
| Female, age 18+ | 4.20 – 5.40 10^6/uL |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
What your Red Blood Cell Count result may mean
Often reflects dehydration, smoking, or living at altitude.
What a high Red Blood Cell Count means: causes, symptoms, next steps →Commonly associated with anemia, blood loss, or nutritional deficiency.
What a low Red Blood Cell Count means: causes, symptoms, next steps →Educational only — not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence a single result. Discuss anything that concerns you with a healthcare provider.
How do you get a Red Blood Cell Count test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. Red Blood Cell Count is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CBC with Differential | This marker only | $21.99 |
| Baseline Anemia Panel | 5 tests | $74.99 |
| General Wellness Panel | 4 tests | $89.99 |
| Post-COVID Recovery Panel | 7 tests | $99.99 |
| Fitness & Performance Panel | 8 tests | $119.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for Red Blood Cell Count: which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $21.99 |
| Labcorp | Yes | $21.99 |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | Yes | $18.99 |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Blood Health biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside Red Blood Cell Count.
Frequently asked
Often reflects dehydration, smoking, or living at altitude. A single result above the reference range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician — often a repeat test and related markers — not a diagnosis on its own.
Ready to test your red blood cell count?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $21.99.