RBC indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC)

FREE

Red cell indices from haemoglobin, haematocrit and RBC count.

Note

MCV 89.4 fL · MCH 29.8 pg · MCHC 33.3 g/dL. Commonly quoted adult intervals: MCV about 80–100 fL, MCH 27–32 pg, MCHC 32–36 g/dL; use your laboratory's own intervals.

Reference: Standard haematology formulae (Dacie and Lewis Practical Haematology). For learning only. Reference intervals vary by laboratory, method and patient group; results are interpreted by qualified professionals with the clinical picture.

Formula

MCV = Hct (%) × 10 / RBC (10⁶/µL); MCH = Hb (g/dL) × 10 / RBC; MCHC = Hb / Hct × 100

Worked example

Hb 14 g/dL, Hct 42 %, RBC 4.7 → MCV 89.4 fL, MCH 29.8 pg, MCHC 33.3 g/dL

Limitations

Indices from an analyser are calculated or measured differently; cold agglutinins, lipaemia and high WBC counts can give false values.

For learning only. Reference intervals vary by laboratory, method and patient group; results are interpreted by qualified professionals with the clinical picture.