A blood smear is a test that counts red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets and assesses their size, shape, and any changes to their appearance. A sample of blood is drawn and examined ...

Poikilocytosis is the presence of abnormal shaped red blood cells. Learn more about what causes it, symptoms of poikilocytosis, and more.

Find out what you need to know about sickle cell tests, and discover the types, who should get them, and more.

The red cell distribution width (RDW) blood test measures how equal your red blood cells are in size. One of several tests included in a complete blood count (CBC), RDW is measured as a percentage.

Medically reviewed by Andrea L. Braden, MD If your complete blood count (CBC) lab test shows you are low in healthy red blood ...

A breakthrough in the understanding of how mammals create red blood cells could lead to opportunities for artificial blood to ...

The liver is the primary source of red blood cells during the second trimester, and the bone marrow is the primary source of red blood cells during the last trimester.

A glass frog during various levels of activity, showing the change in red blood cell perfusion within its circulatory system. The same animal was filmed backlit across all three conditions. Jesse ...

An RBC count is used to find out how many red blood cells you have. Learn why your doctor might order one, how it’s performed, and what results mean.

Sickle cell anemia is a blood disorder that affects hemoglobin, one of the components of red blood cells. It is an inherited disorder, meaning an individual is born with it. It is the most common ...

Nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) are immature erythrocytes rarely found in the peripheral circulation of adults in the absence of illness.