Red Cell Indices

Red Cell Indices

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)

It is the measure of the average RBC volume and RBC size. This red cell indices allow the classification of anaemia. The value of MCV increases proportionally with the size of the RBCs (ie bigger the cell size --> the higher the MCV value)

a)Normocytic anaemia

• Usually a reduced production of normal RBC or increased destruction of RBC
• Usually appear with reduced haematocrit and haemoglobin

a)Macrocytic anaemia

• Megaloblastic anaemia

b)Microcytic anaemia

• Iron Deficiency
• Thalassemia
• Sideroblastic Anaemia

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH)

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) indicates the average mass of the hemoglobin per 
RBC in a sample of blood. The haemoglobin in RBCs is located primarily in the peripheral, 
leaving an area of pale staining area called the central pallor equal to approximately 30 to 
45% of the diameter of the RBCs. Hence if the central pallor is expanded (Hypochromatic), 
the concentration of the hemoglobin will then be reduced leading to a reduced MCH. On 
the contrary, if the size of the central pallor is reduced, the hemoglobin concentration will 
increase, so will the MCH.

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Conentration (MCHC)

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Conentration (MCHC) is the measure of the concentration 

of hemoglobin in a given volume of packed RBCs. This red cell indices allow a more 
in-depth classification of anemia. The value of MCHC is a correlation of concentration of 
hemoglobin and the size of the RBCs.