INCREASED ELECTRONIC MEAN CORPUSCULAR VOLUME INDUCED BY MARKED HYPERGLYCEMIA

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 11  (2) , 184-187
Abstract
A very high glucose level in a diabetic was associated with an increased electronic mean corpuscular volume (MCV). The hematocrit was falsely high and the mean corpuscular Hb concentration (MCHC) falsely low, while the mean corpuscular Hb (MCH) was normal. Blood smears failed to corroborate the abnormal indices. Correct values could be obtained by predilution of the blood in isotonic medium and allowing 10-15 min for equilibration. Glucose in the cell may produce a hyperosmolar state which results in the rapid diffusion of water into the cells in the counter. The phenomenon is dependent on the concentration of glucose to which the red cell is exposed. It is temperature dependent and it is rapidly reversible.

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