What are red blood cell (RBC) indices?Red blood cell (RBC) indices measure the size, shape, and quality of your red blood cells. Red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, carry oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body. Your cells need oxygen to grow, reproduce, and stay healthy. There are four types of red blood cell indices: Show
If one or more of these indices are not normal, it may mean you have some type of anemia, a condition in which your body does not make enough healthy red blood cells. Other names: erythrocyte indices What are they used for?Red blood cell (RBC) indices are part of a complete blood count, a group of tests that measures various parts and features of your blood. The results of RBC indices are used to diagnose different types of anemia. There are several types of anemia, and each type has a different effect on the size, shape, and/or quality of red blood cells. Why do I need red blood cell indices testing?You may get this test as part of a complete blood count, which is often included in a routine checkup. You may also need this test if you have symptoms of anemia, which include:
What happens during a red blood cell indices test?A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This test usually takes less than five minutes. Will I need to do anything to prepare for these tests?You don't need any special preparations for a red blood cell (RBC) indices. Are there any risks to these tests?There is very little risk to having a blood test. There may be slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly. What do the results mean?You will get results for each of the indices. Abnormal results may include one or more of the following: Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) If your red blood cells are smaller than normal, it may mean you have:
If your red blood cells are larger than normal, it may mean you have:
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) If the amount of hemoglobin is lower than normal, it may mean you have:
If the amount of hemoglobin is higher than normal, it may mean you have:
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) If the average amount of hemoglobin is lower than normal, it may mean you have:
If the average amount of hemoglobin is higher than normal, it may mean you have:
Red cell distribution width (RDW) If your results were normal, it means your red blood cells are normal in size and are all about the same size. If your results were not normal, it means there are differences in the size of your red blood cells. This measurement is not enough to make a diagnosis, so RDW results are usually combined with the results of other indices and other blood tests. The combination of results can help confirm a diagnosis. If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider. Learn more about laboratory tests, references ranges, understanding results. References
What causes low red blood cell count and hemoglobin?Diseases and conditions that cause your body to produce fewer red blood cells than normal include: Aplastic anemia. Cancer. Certain medications, such as antiretroviral drugs for HIV infection and chemotherapy drugs for cancer and other conditions.
What is it called when you have less red blood cells?Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Different types of anemia include: Anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Anemia due to folate (folic acid) deficiency.
Is a condition which the blood is deficient in red blood cells in hemoglobin or in total volume?Anemia occurs when you do not have enough red blood cells or when your red blood cells do not function properly. It is diagnosed when a blood test shows a hemoglobin value of less than 13.5 gm/dl in a man or less than 12.0 gm/dl in a woman.
When the hemoglobin concentration of blood is below normal the condition is called?The amount of hemoglobin in whole blood is expressed in grams per deciliter (g/dl). The normal Hb level for males is 14 to 18 g/dl; that for females is 12 to 16 g/dl. When the hemoglobin level is low, the patient has anemia.
|