LAB TEST
RBC indices
Red blood cell (RBC) indices are part of the complete blood count (CBC) test. They are usually 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) The amount of hemoglobin relative to the size of the cell (hemoglobin concentration) per red blood cell (MCHC)
How the Test is Performed
A blood sample is needed.
How to Prepare for the Test
No special preparation is necessary.
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.
Why the Test is Performed
Hemoglobin transports oxygen. RBCs carry hemoglobin and oxygen to our body's cells. The RBC indices test measures the size and hemoglobin of the RBCs. The results are used to diagnose different types of anemia .
Normal Results
These test results are in the normal range: MCV: 80 to 100 femtoliter MCH: 27 to 31 picograms/cell MCHC: 32 to 36 grams/deciliter (g/dL) or 320 to 360 grams per liter (g/L) The examples above are common measurements for results of these tests. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some…
What Abnormal Results Mean
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. Normocytic anemia (may be due to sudden blood loss, long-term diseases, kidney failure , aplastic anemia , or man-made heart valves). MCV above normal.…
Risks
There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another, and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others. Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may…
References
Elghetany MT, Banki K. Erythrocytic disorders. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 33. Means RT Jr. Approach to the anemias. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine . 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA:…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 11/03/2024).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.