Which RBC index corresponds to mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration?

Which RBC index corresponds to mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration?

• A. MCH
• B. MCHC
• C. MCV
• D. MPV

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is which index reflects how concentrated hemoglobin is inside a volume of red blood cells. The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) specifically measures the concentration of hemoglobin within the packed red blood cells, not the amount per cell or the cell's size. That’s why this index corresponds to the concentration of Hb in the cells. MCHC is derived from hemoglobin and hematocrit values (roughly Hgb divided by Hct, times 100), and it tells you how “dense” the hemoglobin is inside the cells. In contrast, MCH indicates the average hemoglobin per single cell, MCV indicates cell size, and MPV reflects platelet size.

The concept being tested is which index reflects how concentrated hemoglobin is inside a volume of red blood cells. The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) specifically measures the concentration of hemoglobin within the packed red blood cells, not the amount per cell or the cell's size. That’s why this index corresponds to the concentration of Hb in the cells. MCHC is derived from hemoglobin and hematocrit values (roughly Hgb divided by Hct, times 100), and it tells you how “dense” the hemoglobin is inside the cells. In contrast, MCH indicates the average hemoglobin per single cell, MCV indicates cell size, and MPV reflects platelet size.