Red blood cell indices

Mean corpuscular volume

Main article: Mean corpuscular volume

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is the average volume of a red blood cell and is calculated by dividing the hematocrit (Hct) by the concentration of red blood cell count.

• \textit{MCV} = \frac{\textit{Hct}}{[\textit{RBC}]}
• Normal range: 80–100 fL (femtoliter)

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin

Main article: Mean corpuscular hemoglobin

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is the average amount of hemoglobin (Hb) per red blood cell and is calculated by dividing the hemoglobin by the red blood cell count.

• MCH = \frac{Hb}{RBC}
• Normal range: 27-31 pg/cell

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration

Main article: Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is the average concentration of hemoglobin per unit volume of red blood cells and is calculated by dividing the hemoglobin by the hematocrit.

• MCHC = \frac{Hb}{Hct}
• Normal range: 32-36 g/dL

Red blood cell distribution width

Main article: Red blood cell distribution width

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW or RDW-CV or RCDW and RDW-SD) is a measure of the range of variation of red blood cell (RBC) volume, yielding clues about morphology.

Erythropoietic precursor indices

Main article: reticulocyte production index, erythropoiesis, nucleated red blood cell, reticulocyte

The reticulocyte production index (RPI) or corrected reticulocyte count (CRC) represents the true significance of the absolute reticulocyte count to provide some reflection of erythropoietic demand and supply. The immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) goes a step further to cast more light on the same question.

Worked example

References

References

1. [https://www.medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003648.htm MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: R BC indices]