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Red cell Indices

Item

Value

Approval req'd?

Available Stat?

Yes

Test code

CBC, CBCD

Test group

RBC

Performed by

Parnassus & Mt. Zion Hematology

In House Availability

Test available 24 hours per day 7 days per week

Method

Calculated from Hct, Hgb and RBC

Container type

Lavender top

Amount to Collect

3 mL blood

Sample type

EDTA whole blood

Preferred volume

3 mL blood

Min. Volume

1 mL blood (or 250 µL in a pedi-bullet)

Units

fl, pg, g/dl

Normal range

Age	MCV	MCH	MCHC
0-7 days	95-121 fL	31-37 pg	29-37 g/dL
1-2 weeks	88-120 fL	28-40 pg	28-38 g/dL
2-4 weeks	86-118 fL	28-40 pg	28-38 g/dL
1-2 months	85-117 fL	28-40 pg	29-37 g/dL
2-3 months	77-115 fL	26-34 pg	29-37 g/dL
3-6 months	74-108 fL	25-34 pg	30-36 g/dL
6-24 months	70-86 fL	23-31 pg	30-36 g/dL
2-6 years	75-87 fL	24-30 pg	31-36 g/dL
6-12 years	77-95 fL	25-33 pg	31-36 g/dL
12-18 years	78-98 fL	25-34 pg	31-36 g/dL
18+ years	80-100 fL	26-34 pg	31-36 g/dL

Synonyms

RBC indices;

Turn around times

STAT 1 hour, Routine 4 hours

Additional information

MCV is directly measured MCH = Hgb x 10/RBC (millions) MCHC = Hgb(in g/dL) x 100/Hct

The MCV is used to determine if the red cells are normocytic, microcytic and macrocytic. The MCHC is used to determine if the red cells are normochromic, hypochromic or hyperchromic, the latter seen almost exclusively in spherocytosis. The MCH is a relatively useless parameter.

Last Updated

2/19/2010 3:42:23 PM

Entry Number

810

If you have additional questions regarding this test, please call: 415-353-1667

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Red cell Indices