Red Blood Cell Indices (with Incubated Sample) – Mass Concentration
This test measures key characteristics of your red blood cells (RBCs) after your blood sample was incubated to analyze how they behave under different conditions.
["Understanding your RBC health helps identify potential blood disorders or anemia."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 32862-5
- Short code
- OF Incubated RBC-Imp
- Synonyms
- OF Incubated RBC-Imp
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
Your blood sample is analyzed for three primary indices derived from the mass concentration of red blood cells: mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Incubation may also assess red blood cell stability or response to stress.
Why Might This Test Be Ordered?
A healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, unusual bleeding, or if they suspect conditions such as anemia, iron deficiency, or other blood disorders. Incubated RBC indices can also help evaluate how red blood cells function in different physiological states.
How Is the Sample Prepared?
Your blood sample is collected and placed in an incubator to simulate body temperature and conditions for a short period before testing. This step helps standardize the analysis for more accurate results.
What Does the Result Mean?
Results provide a snapshot of your RBC size, hemoglobin content, and concentration. Abnormal values may indicate underlying issues like microcytic (smaller cells), macrocytic (larger cells), or normocytic (normal-sized) RBCs, which can guide further medical evaluation.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
RBC Indices (Incubated)
Frequently asked questions
What does an incubated RBC test help diagnose?
How does incubation affect the test results?
Can this test be done on fresh blood instead of incubated?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy