Anemia (Coursework Sample)

Q1: Lab results that indicate anemia and significance of each parameter
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) measures the average amount or mass of hemoglobin in each RBC. MCH values are low in hypochromic anemias. 
Reticulocyte count is the percentage of the total number of RBCs blood samples. Its normal count varies between 0.5 % and 2.5% in adults. A count exceeding normal reticulocyte count may indicate hemolytic anemia, bleeding disorders, pregnancy, and renal tumors. On the other hand, low reticulocyte count may suggest anemia caused by diminished iron levels or vitamin B12 or folate. It can also indicate bone marrow disorders, chronic kidney disease, or liver cirrhosis.
Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is a laboratory value that estimates the average size and volume of red blood cells (RBCs); thus, it helps determine the etiology of anemia. Alongside hemoglobin and hematocrit, MCV allows clinicians to classify anemia as microcytic (MCV < normal range), normocytic (MCV within normal range), or macrocytic anemia (MCV >normal range). MCV is also essential in calculating the red blood cell distribution width (RDW). RDW indicates variation in RBC size or volume as a CBC component. Alongside other RBC indices, especially MCV,