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Aftercare
Discomfort or bruising may occur at the puncture site. Pressure to the puncture site until the bleeding stops reduces bruising; warm packs relieve discomfort. Some people feel dizzy or faint after blood has been drawn and should be treated accordingly.
Risks
The risks are potential bruising at the puncture site, and mild dizziness. Rarely excess bleeding, or infection of the puncture site occurs.
Normal results
Normal results for red blood cell indices are as follows:
- MCV: 78–102 fl (femtoliters) for ages 12–18 years, 77–95 fl for ages six to 12 years, 75–87 fl for ages two to six years, 70–86 fl for ages six months to two years, 85–123 fl for age one month
- MCH: 25–35 pg (picograms) for ages 12–18 years, 25–33 pg for ages six to 12 years, 24–30 pg for ages two to six years, 23–31 pg for ages six months to two years, 28–40 pg for age one month
- MCHC: 31–37 g/dL for ages two to 18 years, 30–36 g/dL for ages six months to two years, 29–37 pg for age one month
- RDW: 12–15 percent
Parental concerns
The pain from the needle puncture only lasts a moment. The parent should comfort a child as needed. Older children can be prepared for the test ahead of time, and the reason why the test is being given should also be explained if the child is old enough to understand.
When to call a doctor
If the bleeding does not stop at the needle puncture site, or if hours to days later, there appears to be infection (redness and swelling), then parents should contact a doctor.
KEY TERMS
Anemia—A condition in which there is an abnormally low number of red blood cells in the bloodstream. It may be due to loss of blood, an increase in red blood cell destruction, or a decrease in red blood cell production. Major symptoms are paleness, shortness of breath, unusually fast or strong heart beats, and tiredness.
Hypochromic—A descriptive term applied to a red blood cell with a decreased concentration of hemoglobin.
Macrocytic—A descriptive term applied to a larger than normal red blood cell.
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)—A measurement of the average concentration of hemoglobin in a red blood cell.
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH)—A measurement of the average weight of hemoglobin in a red blood cell.
Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)—A measurement of the average volume of a red blood cell.
Microcytic—A descriptive term applied to a smaller than normal red blood cell.
Normochromic—A descriptive term applied to a red blood cell with a normal concentration of hemoglobin.
Normocytic—A descriptive term applied to a red blood cell of normal size.
Red blood cell indices—Measurements that describe the size and hemoglobin content of red blood cells. The indices are used to help in the differential diagnosis of anemia. Also called red cell absolute values or erythrocyte indices.
Red cell distribution width (RDW)—A measure of the variation in size of red blood cells.
BOOKS
Chernecky, Cynthia C., and Barbara J. Berger. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures, 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: W. B. Saunders Company, 2001.
Kee, Joyce LeFever. Handbook of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 4th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2001.
Kjeldsberg, Carl, et al. Practical Diagnosis of Hematologic Disorders, 3rd Ed. Chicago: ASCP Press, 2000.
Mark A. Best
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Author Info: Mark A. Best, Thomson Gale, Gale, Detroit, Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health, 2006 |
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