Correlation between RBC Size and MCV in Detecting Hematological Abnormalities

Normal production of RBC is dependent on the availability of the required “ingredients” (ie, iron, folic acid, vitamin B12), a normal functioning bone marrow, and erythropoietin for stimulation of red cell production. Thus any deficiency of the above mentined factors also leads to change in mcv value.Thus this study is done to evaluate and compare the RBC size and mean corpuscular volume with its related abnormalities.

Materials and Method

Blood collection Method

Blood smear of good quality which proper examination and appropriate interpretation in line with patients clinical state is ensured.

Peripheral smear preparation include patient preparation and consent, blood sampling technique, transport to the laboratory and sample preservation. The sample size of the blood collection about 50.

Calculation of RBC Size

Subsequent staining for the prepared peripheral smear is done. Leishmen stain is used for staining purpose. The slide is flooded with stain and left for two minutes, after which twice the volume of distilled water is added and mixed well with the stain.

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This is left for five to seven minutes. Leishman stain is sensitive to any change in pH, so that the water used in the preparation of the stain and the dilution must have a pH value of between 6.6 to 6.8. The preaperd smear is then observed in light microscope. The magnification used is 100X, so as to obtain accurate results. Normal RBCs have a diameter of 6 - 8 μm. On a peripheral blood smear, normal RBCs are disc-shaped with a pale-staining central area called the central pallor. When judging red cell size on a blood smear, the classic rule of thumb is to compare them to the nucleus of a small normal lymphocyte.

The normal lymphocyte nucleus has an approximate diameter of 8 µm[11]. To figure the length of one cell, divide the number of cells that cross the diameter of the field of view into the diameter of the field of view.

Diameter of field of view = length of one cell

MCV Value Calculation

Mean corpuscular value is calculated either manually or using automated machine method. In manual method it is calculated by multiplying hemocrit value with 10 and dividing it by the number of RBC.

MCV = Hct × 10/RBC

The normal value of the MCV in normal human is 84-96 Fl[10].For the present research thte MCV value is observed using automated machine.

Results

• RBCs were categorized into three groups based on size, with corresponding MCV values noted for each category.
• The study revealed that normal erythrocyte sizes range from 6.03 to 8.3 μm. Sizes below 6.03 μm are indicative of microcytic RBCs, associated with conditions such as anemia and thalassemia. Sizes above 8.3 μm suggest potential deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folic acid, liver disease, or hypothyroidism.
• A significant increase in MCV values correlated with the increase in erythrocyte size.

Discussion

For the blood sample collected, RBC size and MCV value is noted. The erythrocyte size for the sample blood obtained is divided into three catagoriesmwith its mean value. First category is of size 6.03-7.11 micro meter. Second category is of size 7.06-7.76 micro meter. Third category os of size limit 8.0-8.3 micro meter. For all the three categories the mean value of the Mean corpuscular value is noted separately. For the RBC size limit of 6.03 to 7.11 micro meter, the MCV value ranges from 70Fl to 94Fl. For the RBC size limit of 7.06 to 7.76 micrometer, the MCV value ranges from 75Fl to 90.7Fl, and for the RBC size limit of 8 to 8.3 micro meter, MCV value ranges from 82.4fL to 84.6fL.

Thus from the study done the normal size range of erythrocyte is about 6.03 to 8.3 micro meter.If it is below 6.03 micro meter, then it is considered as microcytic RBC which leads to anemia and thalassemia and if the value goes above 8.3 micro meter, then it leads to vitamin B12 deficiency, deficiency in folic acid, another type of B vitamin, Liver disease, Hypothyroidism. It is evident that the lower limit of the MCV value for three categories increases and the upper limit decrese. Thus the normal MCV value of a healthy individual is about 70fL to 94Fl.

Conclusion

The study successfully demonstrated a significant correlation between RBC size and MCV, emphasizing their importance in diagnosing hematological abnormalities. With RBC sizes ranging from 6.03 to 8.3 μm and MCV values from 70fL to 94Fl, deviations from these ranges can indicate conditions like anemia, thalassemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, and hypothyroidism. Accurate measurement and monitoring of these parameters are crucial for early detection and management of related disorders.