Platelets, also called thrombocytes, are tiny fragments of cells that are vital for normal blood clotting. Sign up to receive our monthly Cancer Talk e-newsletter. Red Cell Distribution Width (RDS): The variation in the size of red blood cells (11.5-14.5).Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): Average concentration of hemoglobin in a single red blood cell (31.5-37).Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): Average amount of hemoglobin in a single RBC (27-34).Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): Measures a single red blood cell (76-100).RBCs are usually the same general shape and size, but certain conditions (for example, anemia or thalassemia) can affect their appearance: Other tests examine the characteristics of RBCs. Damaged bone marrow (due to chemo, radiation).Nutritional deficiency (low iron, vitamin B12, folate, etc.).A condition that destroys RBCs or decreases hemoglobin production.Your RBC count is usually interpreted with your hemoglobin and hematocrit results. A hematocrit shows what percentage of your blood is made up of RBCs. RBCs contain hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. They live for 100-120 days and are replaced by new RBCs, which are made in the bone marrow. Red blood cells, also called erythrocytes, or RBCs, make up 40-45% of your blood. Use the ranges on your lab results report when interpreting your results. A BMP omits the liver and protein tests.Д«efore considering the results of specific tests, remember that the вЂњnormalвЂќ ranges listed below are averages for healthy people, but ranges can be different for men or women or people of different age groups. A CMP is a group of 14 tests that measure electrolytes, proteins, liver enzymes and kidney waste products in the blood. Your doctor may order a Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP) or Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP).

Plasma is the liquid part of your blood that carries nutrients, hormones and proteins to your cells and carries away wastes. How well your organs and systems are workingД«lood is made up of plasma, red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs) and platelets (PLTs).The levels of electrolytes, minerals, hormones, oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood.Whether any of your blood cell types are below or above the normal range, and whether your blood is clotting normally.Whether it is safe for you to continue your current treatment plan.Blood tests are also used to monitor your condition, by checking: For example, tumor markers in your blood can help doctors figure out which treatment might work best for your cancer, indicate your prognosis or reveal whether your cancer has returned or gone into remission. ThatвЂ™s why certain blood tests can detect conditions of concern before symptoms appear. ItвЂ™s important to be aware of the symptoms of a B-12 deficiency.Your blood carries a wealth of information. These types of anemia can develop if your diet is low in B vitamins or if your body does not absorb B-12 or folate properly. Both of these vitamins are required by your body in order to make red blood cells. High MCH value can often be caused by anemia due to a deficiency of B vitamins, particularly B-12 and folate. This means that there is a larger amount of hemoglobin present per red blood cell. An MCH value calculated above 33.2 pg is considered high MCH.

Slightly low hematocrit and hemoglobin