Red blood cell indices

Red blood cell indices are a group of measurements that provide information about the physical characteristics of red blood cells in a blood sample. These indices are often used in the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases such as anemia and polycythemia.

Overview

Red blood cell indices include the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). These indices are calculated from measurements of hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit (the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells), and the count of red blood cells in a blood sample.

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)

The Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) is a measure of the average volume of a red blood cell. It is calculated by dividing the hematocrit by the red blood cell count. The MCV is expressed in femtoliters (fL). A low MCV indicates that the red blood cells are smaller than normal (microcytic), which can be seen in conditions such as iron deficiency anemia. A high MCV indicates that the red blood cells are larger than normal (macrocytic), which can be seen in conditions such as vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH)

The Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) is a measure of the average amount of hemoglobin in a red blood cell. It is calculated by dividing the total amount of hemoglobin by the red blood cell count. The MCH is expressed in picograms (pg). A low MCH indicates that the red blood cells have less hemoglobin than normal, which can be seen in conditions such as thalassemia. A high MCH indicates that the red blood cells have more hemoglobin than normal, which can be seen in conditions such as macrocytic anemia.

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)

The Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) is a measure of the average concentration of hemoglobin in a red blood cell. It is calculated by dividing the total amount of hemoglobin by the hematocrit. The MCHC is expressed in grams per deciliter (g/dL). A low MCHC indicates that the red blood cells have less concentrated hemoglobin than normal, which can be seen in conditions such as iron deficiency anemia. A high MCHC is rare but can be seen in conditions such as hereditary spherocytosis.

Clinical Significance

Red blood cell indices are an essential part of the complete blood count (CBC), a routine blood test that provides information about the cells in a person's blood. They can help in the diagnosis and monitoring of various diseases and conditions, including anemia, polycythemia, and certain nutritional deficiencies.