Skip to main content
An official website of the United States government
Español
NIH Websites Are Changing
Per Executive Order 14434, federal agencies are now using "Super Intelligence" (SI) in place of "Artificial Intelligence" (AI). You may see both terms across NIH content during this transition.

RBC

A type of blood cell that is made in the bone marrow and found in the blood. RBCs contain a protein called hemoglobin, which carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. Checking the number of RBCs in the blood is usually part of a complete blood cell (CBC) test. It may be used to look for conditions such as anemia, dehydration, malnutrition, and leukemia. Also called erythrocyte and red blood cell.
Blood cells; drawing shows six types of white blood cells (monocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and macrophages), a red blood cell (erythrocyte), and platelets.Enlarge this image in new window
Blood cells. Blood contains many types of cells: white blood cells (monocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and macrophages), red blood cells (erythrocytes), and platelets. Blood circulates through the body in the arteries and veins.
Search NCI's Dictionary of Cancer Terms