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This article waslast modified on 31 May 2023.

MCV, MCH, MCHC, and RDW

Mean Cell Volume (MCV), Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH), Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) and Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) are measurements relating to different aspects of the red blood cell including their volume, size and haemoglobin content. These are measured or calculated as part of a full blood count (FBC) analysis, which may be carried out as a general screen during routine healthcare examinations or for the diagnosis or monitoring of diseases that affect the blood or bone marrow.

MCV, MCH, MCHC and RDW results can help in the diagnosis or monitoring of conditions that affect red cell size, shape, and haemoglobin content such as the blood disorders anaemia, iron or B12 deficiency, and thalassaemia.

To learn more about the FBC and these individual components, please review the FBC page, especially "The Test: How is it used?" and "The Test: What does the test result mean?" (RBC Evaluation) sections.