Mean Corpuscular Volume
Understanding Mean Corpuscular Volume
What is Mean Corpuscular Volume?
The Mean Corpuscular Volume test measures the average size of red blood cells (RBCs) in the blood. This test is a key indicator of anemia, several nutritional deficiencies, and other conditions related to RBC size variation. It is often done as part of a complete blood count test that also measures other types of blood cells.
Red blood cells help carry oxygen throughout the body, and their size can be an important indicator of how well they can transport oxygen. The Mean Corpuscular Volume or MCV blood test is helpful because having a large number of atypically large or small RBCs can indicate potential health concerns. A high MCV may indicate macrocytosis as seen in vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency etc, hypothyroidism, liver disease, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, and reticulocytosis, whereas a low MCV may indicate microcytosis as seen in iron-deficiency anemia or thalassemia.
No special preparation is required before taking an MCV test; eat or drink as per your daily routine. Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between different labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help them determine your medical condition and formulate your overall treatment plan.
What is Mean Corpuscular Volume used for?
The Mean Corpuscular Volume test can be done:
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As part of a complete blood count test to monitor your overall health.
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To evaluate symptoms suggestive of anemia, such as fatigue, pale skin, and lightheadedness.
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To identify different types of anemia and other genetic conditions like thalassemia.
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To monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment for anemia and other conditions that can affect the size of red blood cells, such as liver disease or hypothyroidism.
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As an additional test for many medical conditions.
What does Mean Corpuscular Volume measure?
The Mean Corpuscular Volume test measures the average size of your red blood cells, which carry oxygen through your body. This test tells whether your RBCs are of average size and volume or whether they are bigger or smaller.
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mean Corpuscular Volume
Frequently Asked Questions about Mean Corpuscular Volume
Q. Which diseases can the Mean Corpuscular Volume test detect?
Q. Do I need to fast before taking the Mean Corpuscular Volume test?
Q. How is the Mean Corpuscular Volume test performed?
Q. Is there any risk associated with the Mean Corpuscular Volume test?
Q. What does it mean if your MCV is low?
Q. What does it mean if your MCV is high?
References
- Maner BS, Moosavi L. Mean Corpuscular Volume [Internet]. Treasure Island, Florida: StatPearls Publishing; 20 Aug. 2019 [Accessed 16 Jul. 2023]. Available from: https://europepmc.org/article/nbk/nbk545275
- Seward SJ, Safran C, Marton KI, Robinson SH. Does the mean corpuscular volume help physicians evaluate hospitalized patients with anemia? J Gen Intern Med. 1990;5:187-191. [Accessed 16 Jul. 2023]. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02600530#citeas
- Gu H, Wang YX, Du MX, et al. Effectiveness of Using Mean Corpuscular Volume and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin for Beta-thalassemia Carrier Screening in the Guangdong Population of China. Biomed Environ Sci. 2021;34(8):667-671. [Accessed 16 Jul. 2023]. Available from: https://www.besjournal.com/fileSWYXYHJKX/journal/article/swyxyhjkx/2021/8/PDF/20500.pdf
- Thompson WG, Meola T, Lipkin M, et al. Red Cell Distribution Width, Mean Corpuscular Volume, and Transferrin Saturation in the Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency. Arch Intern Med. 1988;148(10):2128–2130. [Accessed 16 Jul. 2023]. Available from: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/610565
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