9. RBC Indices

What are the RBC Indices?

They are part of the CBC and provide physical characteristics of red blood cells, crucial for diagnosing and classifying different types of anemia.

What does MCV stand for?

Mean Corpuscular Volume.

What does MCV measure?

It measures the average size of red blood cells in your body.

What are the normal MCV range values?

80-100 fL.

What does a low MCV indicate?

It is seen in iron deficiency anemias, thalassemia, and sideroblastic anemia.

What does a high MCV indicate?

It is associated with megaloblastic anemia, alcoholism, and B12 deficiency.

How is MCV calculated?

MCV = (HCT ÷ RBC) × 1000.

What is MCH and what does it measure?

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin; it measures the average quantity of hemoglobin in a single red blood cell.

What is the normal range for MCH?

27–31 pg.

How is MCH calculated?

MCH = (HGB ÷ RBC).

What does MCHC stand for?

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration.

What does MCHC measure?

It measures the average concentration of hemoglobin inside a single red blood cell.

What is the normal range for MCHC?

320-360 g/L.

What are possible causes for high MCHC?

Spherocytosis, hemolytic anemia, burns, macrocytic anemias, liver disease.

What does RDW measure?

Red Cell Distribution Width measures the variation in size of red blood cells.

What is the normal range for RDW?

11.5%-14.5%.

What does a high RDW indicate?

There is marked variation in red blood cell sizes, often the first sign of anemia.

How should RBC indices be interpreted?

They must be interpreted with patient history and blood smear results.

What is the Rule of Three?

A quick check where RBC x 3 should equal Hemoglobin x 10.

What condition is indicated by MCV less than 80?

Microcytic hypochromic anemia.

What are macro-ovalocytes?

Type of abnormally shaped red blood cells often seen in certain anemias.

What is a common indication of normal hemoglobin and normal indices?

The blood sample does not show signs of anemia.

What is indicated by RBC at 4.2 x 10^12/L with Hgb at 84 g/L?

Calculation of indices shows microcytic, hypochromic anemia.

What is indicated by RBC at 2.10 x 10^12/L with Hgb at 88 g/L?

Macrocytic anemia, further investigation needed.

What values indicate a reticulocyte count should be performed?

Values indicating anemia or abnormal RBC indices.

What does a high MCHC calculate mathematically indicate?

Potential underlying conditions needing rapid diagnosis.