Red Blood Cell (RBC) Indices Test
Red blood cell (RBC) indices measure the size, shape, and quality of your red blood cells. They help diagnose different types of anemia.
What this test measures
Red blood cell (RBC) indices measure your red blood cells' size, shape, and quality. There are four types: mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and red cell distribution width (RDW).
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
High MCV may indicate anemia caused by vitamin B deficiency or liver disease. High MCH may indicate anemia caused by vitamin B deficiency. High MCHC may indicate hemolytic anemia or hereditary spherocytosis.
Lower-than-normal results
Low MCV may indicate iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia. Low MCH may indicate iron deficiency anemia. Low MCHC may indicate iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia.
Frequently asked questions
What are red blood cell (RBC) indices?
RBC indices measure your red blood cells' size, shape, and quality. They include MCV, MCH, MCHC, and RDW.
Why are RBC indices done?
They are used to diagnose different types of anemia.
What does a low MCV mean?
Low MCV may mean you have iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia.
What does a high MCHC mean?
High MCHC may mean you have hemolytic anemia or hereditary spherocytosis.
What does RDW measure?
RDW measures differences in the volume and size of your red blood cells. Normal results mean your red blood cells are about the same size.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Red Blood Cell (RBC) Indices — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.