5: Meanings of Labs

Question 1

Indicates size of RBC.

Answer 1

MCV

Question 2

Indicates hemoglobin content in cell (RBC “color”).

Answer 2

MCH

Question 3

Indicates degree of variation in RBC size.

Answer 3

RDW (<15% is normal)

Question 4

Measure of iron in circulation.

Answer 4

Serum Iron

Question 5

Measure of iron in storage.

Answer 5

Serum Ferritin (ferritin is a protein that stores iron)

Question 6

Indicates ability of the bone marrow to produce RBCs.

Answer 6

Reticuloycite Count

Question 7

A visual description of the RBCs.

Answer 7

Peripheral Smear

Question 8

In most anemias, if Iron is low then TIBC is what?

Answer 8

High (reciprocal relationship)