Question

Part Two Given the following indices, what can you conclude about the RBC size and color? 10. MCV-91 0 11. MCV 67 MCH-31 p MCH - 22 pg MCHC -14% MCHC -33% 12. MCV - 671 MCH = 20 MCHC -30% 13. MCV - 113 MCH-30 pe MCHC -30% Part Three

Answer 1

MCV stands for Mean Capsular Volume. It is a measure of erythocytic cell size or volume. The normal range s 80-96 fl. MCH stands for Mean Capsular Hemoglobin. It is the average amount of hemoglobin in the RBC. The normal MCH level s 27-33 picograms. MCHC is the Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration measures the hemoglobin concentration in a given volume of RBC. MCHC ranges from 31-37% normally. The conditions in all the 4 cases are discussed here.

10. Here all the values are in the normal range. The RBC is having the normal size. Also the MCH value is normal so the cell is not too much lighter or brighter but have the normal red color.

11. Here MCV and MCH are lower than the normal range, but MCHC in normal range. Since MCV value is lower, cells will be smaller in size , called  'microcytes'. Also the MCH values are lower, hemoglobin content will be lesser. It will reduce the color of cell. That is the cells are microcytic and lighter in color.

12. Here all the 3 parameters, the MCV MCH and MCHC values are lower than the normal range. The RBCs will be smaller n size and will be lighter than normal cells.It will cause the cells anemic due to the lower hemoglobin content.. Anemic individuals with low MCHC are called hypochromatic.

13. Here only the MCH value is in the normal range. MCV is hgiher. That is the cells are larger than normal. Such cells are called macrocytes. But the MCH value is normal here. The cell will be having macrocytic anemia.