When performing a red blood count, the number of cells counted is multiplied by what factor?

When performing a red blood cell count using a hemocytometer, the total number of cells counted in a designated volume is multiplied by a specific factor to yield the total number of cells per liter or per microliter of blood. The correct multiplication factor for the standard red blood cell count is often 10,000.

This factor reflects the dilution effect and the specific dimensions of the counting chamber used in the hemocytometer. By counting the cells in a small, defined volume and applying the factor of 10,000, one can accurately extrapolate the concentration of red blood cells in the entire sample.

This multiplication is essential for ensuring that the results are expressed in a standard format, allowing clinicians to interpret the red blood cell count accurately in the context of diagnosing various medical conditions.