Red Blood Cell (RBC) Indices: Definitions and Calculations

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Describing a Red Blood Cell Population Using RBC Indices and Red Cell Distribution Width. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

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Red Blood Cell (RBC) Indices: Definitions and Calculations

RBC indices are calculated* parameters that are part of an automated blood count report. RBC indices have two primary uses:

  1. Assist with the differentiation of anemias
  2. Serve as quality control checks
RBC indices include:
  • Mean cell (or corpuscular) volume (MCV)
  • Mean cell hemoglobin (MCH)
  • Mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)
These parameters identify characteristics of the red cells that are circulating at the time that the sample was collected. The table below summarizes the three parameters including definition, reporting units, formulas for calculation of each parameter, and a sample calculation.
MCV refers to the average size of the RBCs constituting the sample. Should a mixture of cell populations be present, the sizes of the red cells will be averaged. Reporting units are femtoliters (fL). One femtoliter is 10-15 L. Reference interval for adults is typically 80 - 100 fL.
Mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) refers to the average weight of hemoglobin in the RBCs in the sample. Should a mixture of cell populations be present, the weights of the evaluated cells will be averaged. Reporting units are picograms (pg). One picogram is 10 -12 grams. The reference interval for adults is typically 26 - 32 pg.
Mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) refers to the average concentration of hemoglobin in the RBCs contained within the sample. Should a mixture of cell populations be present, the hemoglobin concentration within the evaluated cells will be averaged. Reporting units are g/dL. The reference interval for adults is typically 32 - 36 g/dL.
Parameter Definition
UnitsFormula
Example
Mean cell volume (MCV)
Average volume of the RBC
Femtoliters (fL)
Mean cell Hb (MCH)
Average weight of Hb in the RBC
Picograms (pg)
Mean cell Hb concentration (MCHC)
Average concentration of Hb in the RBC volume
Grams/deciliter (g/dL)


*Some hematology instruments measure MCV directly and derive hematocrit rather than calculating MCV from a measured hematocrit and red blood cell count.