Red Blood Cell Indices

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.

1-Mean Corpuscular Volume

The MCV is the average volume of the RBC in femtolitersMCV = HCT *10/RBC count Cells of normal size (MCV is 80-100 fl) are called Normocytic smaller cells are Microcytic and larger called are Macrocytic

2 -Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin

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

3-Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin concentration

The MCHC is the average concentration of Hb in ,each individual erythrocyte,the units are g/dl MCHC=Hb *100/HctValues 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,

White blood cells

STEPS FOR BLOOD FILM