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RBC indices

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Contents of this page:

Alternative Names   

Erythrocyte indices; Blood indices; Red cell mass measurement; Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH); Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC); Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)

Definition    Return to top

Red blood cell (RBC) indices are part of the complete blood count (CBC) test. They are used to help diagnose too few red blood cells (anemia).

The indices include:

See also: RBC count

How the Test is Performed    Return to top

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic. An elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the band to swell with blood.

A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an airtight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore blood flow. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed. The puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

For an infant or young child, the area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a small glass tube (pipette), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if bleeding continues.

The values for MCHC, and MCH are calculated from the hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit (Hct), and red blood cell count (RBC):

The MCV is measured directly.

How to Prepare for the Test    Return to top

No special preparation is necessary.

How you prepare infants and children for this test depends on your child's age and past experience. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

How the Test Will Feel    Return to top

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the Test is Performed    Return to top

Red blood cells transport hemoglobin which, in turn, transports oxygen. The amount of oxygen tissues receive depends on the amount and function of RBCs and hemoglobin.

The MCV reflects the size of red blood cells. The MCH and MCHC reflect the hemoglobin content of red blood cells. These RBC measures are used to diagnose types of anemia.

Anemias are defined based on cell size (MCV) and amount of Hgb (MCH).

Normal Results    Return to top

What Abnormal Results Mean    Return to top

The following are the types of anemia and their causes:

Risks    Return to top

Considerations    Return to top

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Getting a blood sample from some people may be harder than from others.

References    Return to top

Hermiston ML, Mentzer WC. A practical approach to the evaluation of the anemic child. Pediatr Clin North Am. October 2002;49:877-891.

George GB, Parker K. Understanding the complete blood count with differential. J Perianesth Nurs. April 2003;19:96-114.

Update Date: 3/22/2007

Updated by: Carl T. Henningson Jr. M.D., Private Practice specializing in Hematology and Oncology, Manasquan, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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