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Red blood cell indices are blood tests that provide information about the hemoglobin content and size of red blood cells. Abnormal values indicate the presence of anemia and which type of anemia it is.
The index is calculated from the results of a complete blood count. If the quotient of the mean corpuscular volume (MCV, in fL) divided by the red blood cell count (RBC, in million per microliter) is less than 13, β-thalassemia trait is said to be more likely. If the result is greater than 13, then iron-deficiency anemia is said to be more likely.
The reticulocyte index (RI) should be between 0.5% and 2.5% for a healthy individual. [8] RI < 0.5% with anemia indicates maturation disorder, meaning loss of red blood cells, but also decreased production of reticulocytes (i.e., an inadequate response to correct the anemia) and therefore red blood cells. [2]
In volume-sensitive automated blood cell counters, such as the Coulter counter, the red cells pass one-by-one through a small aperture and generate a signal directly proportional to their volume. Other automated counters measure red blood cell volume by means of techniques that measure refracted, diffracted, or scattered light. [2]
The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is a measure of the concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of packed red blood cell. It is calculated by dividing the hemoglobin by the hematocrit. Reference ranges for blood tests are 32 to 36 g/dL (320 to 360g/L), [1] or between 4.81 and 5.58 mmol/L.
A complete blood count (CBC), also known as a full blood count (FBC), is a set of medical laboratory tests that provide information about the cells in a person's blood.The CBC indicates the counts of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets, the concentration of hemoglobin, and the hematocrit (the volume percentage of red blood cells).
The mean corpuscular hemoglobin, or "mean cell hemoglobin" (MCH), is the average mass of hemoglobin (Hb) per red blood cell (RBC) in a sample of blood. It is reported as part of a standard complete blood count. MCH value is diminished in hypochromic anemias. [1] RBCs are either normochromic or hypochromic. They are never "hyperchromic".
A blood smear can be used to view individual red blood cells. The diameter of each red blood cell can be measured, which is usually analogous to volume. [2] This is usually performed automatically by particle counters. [2] [4] Data is then converted into a histogram. [1] This can be used to assess red blood cell distribution width (RDW). [1] [4]