Red Blood Cell Indices

Red blood cell indices :are measurement that describe the size and oxygen carrying protein (HB) content of red blood cells. The indices are used to help in the differential diagnosis of anemia.

The MCV is the average volume of the RBC in femtoliters MCV = HCT *10/RBC count Cells of normal size (MCV is fl) are called Normocytic smaller cells are Microcytic and larger called are Macrocytic

The MCH is the average weight of Hb in an RBC,units is picograms MCH =Hb *10/RBC count The normal range for adults is (28-32 pg ) The MCH is not generally considered in the classification of anemia

The MCHC is the average concentration of Hb in,each individual erythrocyte,the units are g/dl MCHC=Hb *100/Hct Values of Normochromic cells range from 32 to 37 g/dl,those hypochromic cells are less than 32g/dl,and those of hyperchromic cells greater than 37g/dl

 Because there is aphysical limit the amount of Hb that can fit in cell there is no hyperchromic category,