There are three different red cell indices calculated from:
1. Hb Conc.
2. PCV
ADVERTISEMENTS:
3. Total red cell count.
The results of these indices are helpful in diagnosis of different types of anaemia.
Source Image:upload.wikimedia.org
MCV (Mean Cell Volume):
ADVERTISEMENTS:
This is the average volume of red cell. Because, the size of red cell is very small, it is expressed in fematolitre (Fl)
1 Fl = 10 -15 lit.
MCV can be calculated as:
MCV = hct (%) × 10 / Total RBC count in million
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Normal value = 78 to 94 Fl
MCV is reduced in microcytic anaemia, and raised in macrocytic anaemia, in deficiency of vitamin B12, folic acid, etc.
MCH (Mean Cell Haemoglobin):
It is the average Hb content of red cell. Because the amount is very small, it is expressed in picogram.
1 Picogram = 10 -12 gm.
MCH = Hb (%) × 10
Total RBC Count
Normal value = 27 to 32 picogram
MCH is raised in macrocytic anaemia and reduced in hypochromic anaemia.
MCHC (Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration):
This is the average Hb conc. per unit volume of PCV.
The value is expressed in % or gms/lit.
The normal value is 32 to 38%. Below 32% is found in iron deficiency or hypochromic anaemia. It cannot increase above 38% as the red cells cannot hold higher concentration of haemoglobin.