What is nrbc in blood test?

NRBC (Nucleated Red Blood Cell) in Blood Test

The presence of NRBCs (Nucleated Red Blood Cells) in a peripheral blood sample of adults or newborns (after the first few days) is generally considered abnormal. NRBCs are immature red blood cells that still contain a nucleus. Normally, these cells mature in the bone marrow and lose their nucleus before being released into circulation.

Significance:

• Bone Marrow Stress/Stimulation: NRBCs appear in the peripheral blood when the bone marrow is highly stimulated to produce red blood cells and releases them prematurely. This can be due to conditions like severe anemia (e.g., hemolytic anemia), significant blood loss, or certain bone marrow disorders.

• Hypoxia: Conditions that cause low oxygen levels in the blood can trigger the release of NRBCs.

• Myelofibrosis: This bone marrow disorder disrupts normal blood cell production and can lead to NRBCs in the circulation.

• Leukemia: Certain types of leukemia can cause the release of immature blood cells, including NRBCs.

• Extramedullary Hematopoiesis: This is where blood cell production occurs outside of the bone marrow (e.g., in the spleen or liver). It is commonly seen in severe anemia.

• Newborns: A small number of NRBCs are often seen in newborns shortly after birth, which is usually normal. However, persistently elevated or increasing levels may indicate underlying problems.

Clinical Interpretation:

The presence of NRBCs requires further investigation to determine the underlying cause. The number of NRBCs is often reported as a percentage of white blood cells (NRBC/100 WBCs). The clinical significance depends on the patient's overall clinical picture, other blood test results, and medical history. The doctor is going to interpret all the results together and give some further instructions.