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RBC Indices
Definition
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:
- 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)
See also: RBC count
Alternative Names
Erythrocyte indices; Blood indices; Red cell mass measurement; Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH); Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC); Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
How the test is performed
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):
- MCHC = Hgb/Hct
- MCH = Hgb/RBC
The MCV is measured directly.
How to prepare for the test
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
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
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).
- MCV less than lower limit of normal: microcytic anemia
- MCV within normal range: normocytic anemia
- MCV greater than upper limit of normal: macrocytic anemia
- MCH less than lower limit of normal: hypochromic anemia
- MCH within normal range: normochromic anemia
- MCH greater than upper limit of normal: hyperchromic anemia
Normal Values
- MCV: 80 to 100 femtoliter
- MCH: 27 to 31 picograms/cell
- MCHC: 32 to 36 grams/deciliter
What abnormal results mean
The following are the types of anemia and their causes:
- Normocytic/normochromic (NC/NC) anemia -- from blood loss, prosthetic heart valves, sepsis, tumor, or aplastic anemia
- Microcytic/hypochromic anemia -- from iron deficiency, lead poisoning, or thalassemia
- Microcytic/normochromic anemia -- a lack (deficiency) of the hormone erythropoietin from kidney failure
- Macrocytic/normochromic anemia -- from chemotherapy, folate deficiency, or vitamin B-12 deficiency
What the risks are
- Excess bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Blood pooling under the skin (hematoma)
- Infection
- Many needle sticks to find veins
Special considerations
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
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.
Review Date: 3/22/2007
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright ©2003 A.D.A.M., Inc., as modified by University of California San Francisco. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Information developed by A.D.A.M., Inc. regarding tests and test results may not directly correspond with information provided by UCSF Medical Center. Please discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.
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