What is the formula used to calculate mean corpuscular volume (MCV)?

Prepare for the AAB Medical Technologist (MT) Generalist Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to boost your understanding. Get exam-ready now!

The formula for calculating the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is derived from measuring the hematocrit (HCT) and the red blood cell count (RBC). Essentially, MCV is a measure of the average volume of a red blood cell and is expressed in femtoliters (fL).

To calculate MCV, the hematocrit percentage is divided by the red blood cell count, and then the result is multiplied by 10. This multiplication by 10 is a standard practice to convert the units into femtoliters, as hematocrit is expressed as a percentage and red blood cell count is in millions per microliter.

Using this formula allows for an accurate representation of the size of red blood cells, which can be crucial in diagnosing various types of anemias and other blood disorders. Understanding MCV is important in clinical laboratory settings as it provides insight into a patient's erythrocyte indices, helping healthcare professionals assess the underlying causes of anemia and other hematological conditions.

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