Do people with CFIDS have low numbers of red blood cells?
We have found that 60-70 percent of people with CFIDS have low-normal, or below-normal, red blood cell volume. This was not known before we began our work. Its usually missed by standard blood tests. The test we use is called a dual tag blood volume test. It is the gold standard, the most accurate way to measure both plasma volume and red blood cell volume in the blood. Its commonly done in the radiology departments at most hospitals. Its important for those who are wondering if they have red blood cell volume deficit that the right test be performed. Some tests only measure the plasma volume and estimate the red blood cell volume. Those are inaccurate. For instance, theres a measure called hematocrit. The percentage of red blood cells in the blood is derived from a drop of blood, but its really an estimate. Q: How is the Procrit study being run? A: We have a randomized, placebo-controlled trial funded by the National Institutes of Healths National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Dr.
