hemoglobin levels are called normochromic, high levels are hyperchromic,
and low levels are called hypochromic.
Old RBCs are broken down (phagocytized) by macrophages in the
spleen, liver or red bone marrow. When this happens, the iron from the
hemoglobin is reused immediately to produce new RBCs, or is stored in the
liver. The globin portion is converted back to amino acids. The heme that is
left is converted to bilirubin, which is then excreted by the bile.
HCT (HEMATOCRIT) — Hematocrit is the percentage of RBCs
(erythrocytes) in any given volume of blood. Your hematocrit should closely
relate to your RBC count and hemoglobin count. Increased levels may
indicate dehydration, severe diarrhea, trauma or shock, burns, or other
conditions. A decrease in hematocrit levels may indicate anemia, cirrhosis of
the liver, cancer, hyperthyroidism, hemorrhage, bone marrow failure,
rheumatoid arthritis, malnutrition, or normal pregnancy.
MCV (MEAN CORPUSCULAR VOLUME) — The MCV test is a
measurement of the volume or size of a single red blood cell. This is
beneficial in classifying anemias. The greater the MCV volume, the larger (or
macrocytic) the cells are; and the lower the MCV volume the smaller (or
microcytic) a red blood cell is. MCV volumes are calculated by dividing the
hematocrit by the total RBC count. MCVs may indicate liver conditions,
alcoholism, pernicious anemia, or other problems. A lower MCV finding may
suggest iron deficiency anemia.
MCH (MEAN CORPUSCULAR HEMOGLOBIN) — MCH signifies the
average amount (weight) of hemoglobin within an individual red blood cell.
MCHC (MEAN CORPUSCULAR HEMOGLOBIN
CONCENTRATION) — The MCHC is a measurement of the average
percentage or concentration of hemoglobin within an individual cell. This
factor is obtained by dividing the total hemoglobin concentration by the
hematocrit.
RDW (RED BLOOD CELL DISTRIBUTION WIDTH) — This is a
measurement of the width of the red blood cells. This is helpful in classifying
the type of anemia that one might have.
PLATELETS (THROMBOCYTES) — Platelets are essential to the ability
of the blood to clot. They are the bridges and spider webs for perforations of
tissue. They bind so the body can repair. Low platelet levels are indicative of
bone marrow and/or spleen weakness or disease. Infections, drugs and
hemorrhages are also related to low platelet counts. Below 50,000 is critical.