Red cell morphology indices are measurements derived from a complete blood count that provide information about red blood cells, including their size, shape, and color. The indices - mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and red cell distribution width - are used alongside other tests and symptoms to diagnose blood disorders, especially anemias. Normal ranges exist for each index, but abnormalities can indicate issues like iron deficiency anemia, vitamin deficiencies, or hemolytic conditions.

1. red cell morphology indices
Red cell morphology indices are a
group of measurements derived
from a complete blood count (CBC)
that provide information about the
size, shape, and color of your red
blood cells. These indices are used
in conjunction with other
laboratory findings and clinical
information to help diagnose
various blood disorders,
particularly anemias.
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2. Mean corpuscular volume
(MCV): This measures the average
size of your red blood cells. MCV is
typically reported in femtoliters
(fL).
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3. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin
(MCH): This measures the average
amount of hemoglobin, the protein
that carries oxygen in your
blood, in each red blood cell. MCH
is typically reported in picograms
(pg).
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4. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin
concentration (MCHC): This
measures the average
concentration of hemoglobin
within your red blood cells. MCHC
is typically reported as a
percentage.
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5. Red cell distribution width
(RDW): This measures the variation
in the size of your red blood
cells. RDW is typically reported as a
percentage
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6. Normal ranges for red
cell morphology
indices can vary
slightly depending on
the laboratory, but
here are some general
guidelines:
•MCV: 80-100 fL
•MCH: 27-32 pg
•MCHC: 32-36%
•RDW: 11.5-14.5%
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7. interpreting red cell morphology indices:
•MCV:
• High MCV (macrocytosis): This can indicate macrocytic anemia, which is
often caused by vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
• Low MCV (microcytosis): This can indicate microcytic anemia, which is most
commonly caused by iron deficiency.
•MCH:
• High MCH: This usually occurs in conjunction with high MCV.
• Low MCH: This usually occurs in conjunction with low MCV.
•MCHC:
• High MCHC: This is uncommon and can be caused by dehydration or
spherocytosis, a condition in which red blood cells are abnormally round
and fragile.
• Low MCHC: This can indicate microcytic anemia or hypochromic anemia, a
type of anemia in which red blood cells are pale due to a lack of
hemoglobin.
•RDW:
• High RDW (anisocytosis): This indicates that there is a large variation in the
size of your red blood cells. This can be caused by a variety of
conditions, including iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 or folate
deficiency, and hemolytic anemia.
• Low RDW: This is less common and is not usually considered to be clinically
significant.
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