What do RBC indices mean?
Red blood cell (RBC) indices are part of the complete blood count (CBC) test. They are used to help diagnose the cause of anemia, a condition in which there are too few red blood cells. The indices include: Average red blood cell size (MCV) Hemoglobin amount per red blood cell (MCH)
What are the RBC indices and their formula?
Red Blood Cell (RBC) Indices Calculator
| RBC indices | Formula | Normal range |
|---|---|---|
| MCV | MCV = (Hematocrit %) / (RBC x 1012/L) x 10 | 80 – 96 fL |
| MCHC | MCHC = (Hemoglobin in g/dL) / (Hematocrit %) x 100 | 33.4 – 35.5 g/dL |
| MCH | MCH = (Hemoglobin in g/dL) / (RBC x 1012/L) x 10 | 27 – 33 pg |
How do you read RBC indices?
Red blood cell (RBC) indices are part of the complete blood count (CBC) test….These test results indicate the type of anemia:
- MCV below normal. Microcytic anemia (may be due to low iron levels, lead poisoning, or thalassemia).
- MCV normal.
- MCV above normal.
- MCH below normal.
- MCH normal.
- MCH above normal.
What are the hematological indices?
The hematological indices analyzed were hemoglobin (Hb),1 hematocrit (HCT), erythrocyte count (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular Hb (MCH), leukocyte count (WBC), platelet count, and creatinine concentration.
Why is RBC indices significant in the diagnosis of anemia?
The RBC indices can help your doctor determine the cause if your doctor thinks you have anemia. The MCV is the most useful value in the RBC indices to help determine the type of anemia you may have. Your doctor will see if your MCV is low, normal, or high to help determine what is causing your anemia.
What is MCV in blood?
MCV stands for mean corpuscular volume. There are three main types of corpuscles (blood cells) in your blood–red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. An MCV blood test measures the average size of your red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes.
What happens if MCH is low?
A low MCH value typically indicates the presence of iron deficiency anemia. Iron is important for the production of hemoglobin. Your body absorbs a small amount of iron that you eat in order to produce hemoglobin.
Should I worry about high MCHC?
A normal (normochromia) or high (hyperchromia) MCHC means that the oxygen-carrying capacity of the red blood cells is normal. However, it may still be deficient if not enough red blood cells are present.
What is RBC indices MCV?
Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) measures the average red blood cell volume, meaning the actual size of the cells themselves. A normal range for MCV is between 80 and 96 femtoliters per cell.
What is PCV in RBC indices?
The packed cell volume (PCV) is a measurement of the proportion of blood that is made up of cells. The value is expressed as a percentage or fraction of cells in blood. The PCV rises when the number of red blood cells increases or when the total blood volume is reduced, as in dehydration.