Red blood cells are measured through a series of parameters known as red cell indices. The spelling of this word can be explained through its phonetic transcription, /rɛd sɛl ˈɪndɪsɪz/. The 'r' in 'red' is pronounced as a voiced alveolar tap while 'cell' is pronounced with a hard 'c', and 'indices' is stressed on the second syllable. Correct spelling is important in the medical field as these values assist with diagnosing and managing various blood-related disorders.
Red cell indices are quantitative measurements used to evaluate the size and hemoglobin content of red blood cells. These indices provide valuable information about the various characteristics of red blood cells, aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of various blood disorders.
The two key red cell indices are the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). MCV represents the average size of red blood cells and is measured in femtoliters (fL). It helps in classifying anemias as microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic based on the red cell size. Microcytic anemias are associated with MCV values below the normal range, normocytic anemias have MCV within the reference range, and macrocytic anemias display MCV above the normal range.
MCHC, on the other hand, measures the average concentration of hemoglobin within red blood cells and is typically expressed in grams per deciliter (g/dL). It aids in characterizing anemias as hypochromic, normochromic, or hyperchromic based on the hemoglobin content. Hypochromic anemias exhibit MCHC levels below the normal range, normochromic anemias have MCHC within the reference range, and hyperchromic anemias demonstrate MCHC above the normal range.
Red cell indices play a crucial role in diagnosing various anemias, nutritional deficiencies, and other blood disorders. They are typically obtained through automated blood cell analyzers, which provide rapid and accurate measurements of these indices. Red cell indices allow healthcare professionals to assess the overall health and characteristics of red blood cells, guiding further investigations and treatment decisions.