RED BLOOD CELL INDICES

RED BLOOD CELL INDICES

RED BLOOD CELL INDICES- The purpose of determining the haematological indices is to corroborate and correlate the fundamental results obtained in the routine complete blood count, i.e., haematocrit, RBC count and haemoglobin determination. In this way, the types of anaemia may be objectively classified and red cell variation may be specifically studied.

As the results are dependent upon the accuracy of various estimations, the red cell count, which has the greatest potential for error, must be performed with care.

   

 Clinical significance

 

1.Macrocytic, normochromic anaemia:- MCV 100 to 160 cu.microns (FL) MCHC 32 to 36 %

Causes

(a) Deficiency of Vitamin B 2 or folic acid,hepatic disease, or antimetabolite drugs. The bone marrow shows abnormal red cell maturation, megaloblastic (increased red cell size) changes.

(b) Chronic liver disease, hypothyroidism etc. where bone marrow does not show abnormal megaloblastic changes.

2. Normocytic, Normochromic Anaemia:- MCV 80 to 100 cu.um (fL), MCHC 32 to 36 % Causes

(a) Sudden blood loss

(b) Haemolytic anaemias

(c) Haemoglobinopathies

(d) Aplastic anaemia

3. Microcytic Normochromic Anaemia:- MCV 69 to 80 cu.um (fL), MCHC 32 to 36 %

Causes

(a) Inflammatory conditions.

(b) Toxic drugs and chemicals

(c) Malignancy

(d) Endocrine disorders

4. Microcytic Hypochromic Anaemia :-MCV 60 to 80 cu. um (FL), MCHC 20 to 30 %

Causes

(a) Iron deficiency due to blood loss, improper gastrointestinal absorption, excess demand.

(b) Miscellaneous, such as lead poisoning,thalassaemia.

5. Macrocytic Hypochromic Anaemia:- MCV more than 100 cu. um (fL), MCHC less than 30 %

Causes

Deficiency of iron associated with deficiency of Vitamin B12 or folic acid.