Red blood cell (RBC) indices are part of the complete blood count (CBC) test. They are used to help diagnose the cause of anemia, a condition in which there are too few red blood cells.
The indices include:
See also: RBC count
Alternative NamesErythrocyte indices; Blood indices; Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH); Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC); Mean corpuscular volume (MCV); Red blood cell indices
How the test is performedBlood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.
Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
The values for MCHC, and MCH are calculated from the hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit(Hct), and RBC count:
The MCV is measured directly by a machine.
How to prepare for the testNo special preparation is necessary.
How the test will feelWhen 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 performedRBCs 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).
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanThis test is used to diagnose the cause of anemia. The following are the types of anemia and their causes:
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient 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 include:
Zuckerman K. Approach to the anemias. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 162.
blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit
Red blood cell indices would include determining the size (mean corpuscular volume), hemoglobin concentration (mean corpuscular hemoglobin), and the amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration). These indices help in evaluating the size, shape, and oxygen-carrying capacity of the red blood cells.
Cell indices are usually calculated from tests performed on an automated electronic cell counter.
Red blood cell indices, including mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), are primarily used to diagnose different types of anemia. These indices can help determine the size and hemoglobin content of red blood cells, providing valuable information about the underlying cause of anemia, such as iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, or hemolysis.
zidovudine (Retrovir), phenytoin (Dilantin), and azathioprine (Imuran)
Red blood cell indices are measurements that provide information about the size and hemoglobin content of red blood cells, specifically including mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). In the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia (IDA), tests such as serum ferritin, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation are commonly used. These tests help assess iron levels and storage in the body, confirming the presence of IDA. Additionally, a complete blood count (CBC) can reveal low hemoglobin levels and microcytic anemia associated with IDA.
A purple top tube is typically used for an EDTA blood test, which is used for testing whole blood for hematology studies. It is commonly used for complete blood counts (CBC) and blood cell indices.
A complete blood count (CBC) typically includes measurements of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Specific components measured in a CBC include hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cell count, platelet count, and differential white blood cell count which includes bands. Bands are immature white blood cells, and an elevated band count may indicate an infection or inflammation in the body.
Hemoglobin levels, hematocrit levels, and red blood cell count are blood measurements that can provide information on a possible anemic condition. Anemia is often characterized by low levels of these parameters.
Releasing oxygen
Binding carbon fioxide
The white blood cell has nucleus that red blood cell does not