transitive verb. 1  To keep up or carry on; continue: maintain good relations. 2  To keep in an existing state; preserve or retain: maintain one's composure. 3  To keep in a condition of good repair or efficiency: maintain two cars.
Anemia is usually classified based on the size of RBCs, as measured by the mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Anemia can be microcytic (MCV typically less than 80 Î¼m3 [80 fL]), normocytic (80 to 100 Î¼m3 [80 to 100 fL]), or macrocytic (greater than 100 Î¼m3 [100 fL]).
The MCV reflects the size of red blood cells. The MCH and MCHC reflect the hemoglobin content of red blood cells. These RBC measures are used to diagnose types of anemia. Anemias are defined based on cell size (MCV) and amount of Hgb (MCH).1  MCV less than lower limit of normal: microcytic anemia.he MCH and MCHC reflect the hemoglobin content of red blood cells. These RBC measures are used to diagnose types of anemia. Anemias are defined based on cell size (MCV) and amount of Hgb (MCH). 1  MCV less than lower limit of normal: microcytic anemia.