What Are Red Blood Cells?

Red blood cells (RBCs) are your body’s tiny oxygen couriers! These disc-shaped cells travel through your bloodstream, delivering fresh oxygen from your lungs to every part of your body and hauling carbon dioxide back to your lungs to be exhaled. Imagine them as microscopic delivery trucks—always on the move to keep you energized!

How Long Do Red Blood Cells Live?

Just like us, red blood cells have a lifespan. In healthy adults, they typically live for about 115 days (around 4 months) before retiring. Old or damaged RBCs are removed by your body and replaced with fresh ones - like a well-organized recycling system!

What Do the Results Mean?

· Normal (＞70 days): Your RBCs are living their best life!

· Shortened (≤70 days): RBCs are breaking down too fast, possibly due to hemolysis, infections, or certain medications.

How Is It Measured? (No Needles Required!)

One of the easiest ways to test RBC lifespan is the carbon monoxide (CO) breath test—it’s as simple as blowing into a sampling bag! The test is highly accurate and is recommended by the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) for clinical use.

Here’s why it works:

· Science Behind It: When RBCs break down, they release a tiny bit of CO, which you exhale. By measuring CO in your breath, doctors estimate how fast your RBCs are turning over.

· What to Expect: You’ll blow into the exhalation sampling bag, which the Breath Test Analyzer will analyze for a few minutes—painless, quick, and no scary gadgets!

Before the Test: Quick Tips

· Avoid smoking and heavy exercise for 24 hours (they can skew results).

· No worries! The test is safe, radiation-free, and over in minutes.

CO Breath Test is a simple, non-invasive way to keep tabs on your blood health. Whether you’re troubleshooting fatigue or just curious, this test helps doctors (and you!)