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Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

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Nucleated Red Blood Cell Relative

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NRBC REL

Description

"Nucleated Red Blood Cell (NRBC) Relative" test evaluates the percentage of immature, nucleated red blood cells compared to total white blood cells. It’s typically used when assessing anemia, bone marrow function, or systemic stress. High NRBC ratios may suggest hypoxia, bone marrow activation, or certain blood disorders. Doctors interpret this test alongside other labs to determine the cause of unusual symptoms. Ongoing monitoring supports diagnosis, guides next steps, and helps track recovery in patients with complex hematologic concerns.

"Nucleated Red Blood Cell (NRBC) Relative" test evaluates the percentage of immature, nucleated red blood cells compared to total white blood cells. It’s typically used when assessing anemia, bone marrow function, or systemic stress. High NRBC ratios may suggest hypoxia, bone marrow activation, or certain blood disorders. Doctors interpret this test alongside other labs to determine the cause of unusual symptoms. Ongoing monitoring supports diagnosis, guides next steps, and helps track recovery in patients with complex hematologic concerns.

Category

Blood Cells

Procedure

Invasive

Sample Type

Blood – Whole Blood

Units

Percentage

Procedure Category

Blood Draw

Test Group

Hematology Group, Blood Count Complementary Group

Test Group Description

Blood Count Complementary Group: This set of tests supplements basic blood count assessments, providing additional information to further characterize blood cell composition and identify potential abnormalities. Hematology Group: Tests within this group focus on evaluating various aspects of blood health and function. These assessments provide insights into red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other components of the blood.

Optimal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Conventional Unit: 0.00%

  • SI Unit: Not Applicable

Normal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Conventional Unit: 0.0–0.30%

  • SI Unit: Not Applicable

Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)

Increased levels may indicate:


  • Acute myeloid leukemia (Cancer of the blood and bone marrow)

  • Aplastic anemia (Bone marrow failure resulting in decreased production of all blood cells)

  • Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (Cancer of the bone marrow)

  • Erythropoiesis (Increased production of red blood cells)

  • Fetal-maternal hemorrhage (Bleeding from the fetus to ...

Key Reasons For Testing

  • Hematological Evaluation: Assesses bone marrow activity through relative cell proportions.

  • Bone Marrow Function: Indicates erythropoiesis in response to anemia, hypoxia, or hemorrhage.

  • Hematopoietic Stress: Reflects severity of stress in bone marrow and systemic conditions.

  • Diagnostic Aid: Identifies disorders like leukemia, hemolysis, or bone marrow dysfunction.

Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess

Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.

Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test

Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.

References

Important Note

Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.


Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.

Disclaimer

This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.


Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.

[1] Purtle SW, Horkan CM, Moromizato T, Gibbons FK, Christopher KB. Nucleated red blood cells, critical illness survivors, and postdischarge outcomes: a cohort study. Crit Care. 2017;21(1):154.
[2] Amundsen EK, Binde C, Christensen EE, Klingenberg O, Kvale D, Holten AR. Prognostic value of nucleated RBCs for patients with suspected sepsis in the emergency department: a single-center prospective cohort study. Crit Care Explor. 2021;3(7).
[3] Phan TT, Vy HT, Ho TT, et al. Emergence role of nucleated red blood cells in molecular response evaluation for chronic myeloid leukemia. Int J Gen Med. 2019;12:333-341.
[4] Hwang DH, Jin Y, Shim JW, et al. Automated nucleated RBC measurement using the Sysmex XE-5000 hematology analyzer: frequency and clinical significance of the nucleated RBCs. Am J Clin Pathol. 2016;145(3):379-384.
[5] Piagnerelli M, Boudjeltia KZ, Vanhaeverbeek M, Vincent JL. Nucleated red blood cells in patients with sepsis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2003;167(8):1086-1092.
[6] Rudiger A, Burckhardt OA, Harpes P, Muller SA, Follath F. Nucleated red blood cells in the blood as a prognostic factor in hypoxemic patients. JAMA. 2002;288(19):2541-2542.
[7] Zhang L, Yang J, Wu H, et al. Increased nucleated red blood cells in pediatric patients with severe infections: a retrospective study. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2015;16(8):731-736.
[8] Casteels M, Geuens E, Hachimi-Idrissi S, van Vliet N. Nucleated red blood cells in cord blood as a marker of prenatal hypoxia. Eur J Pediatr. 2001;160(8):509-511.
[9] Ku NS, Kim HW, Oh HJ, et al. Prognostic significance of nucleated red blood cells in chronic kidney disease patients receiving hemodialysis. Nephron Clin Pract. 2014;128(3-4):107-113.
[10] Widness JA, Veng-Pedersen P, Peters C, Pereira LM, Schmidt RL. Developmental differences in erythropoiesis and anemia during erythropoietin therapy. J Pediatr. 1996;128(6):806-815.
[11] Salim A, Miller K, D'Assumpcao C, et al. Elevated nucleated red blood cells in trauma patients predict increased mortality. J Trauma. 2010;68(1):54-58.

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