Understanding MCV Blood Test
MCV refers to the average volume of a red blood cell. Red blood cells distribute oxygen to the body’s organs and tissues.
An MCV test is part of a group of tests called red blood cell indices. Together, the red blood cell indices evaluate the red blood cells’ size and shape in the body. Any variation of red blood cell size and shape can occur due to blood disorders or certain health conditions and can affect oxygen distribution in the body.
What is MCV blood test?
MCV stands for Mean Cell Volume. An MCV test provides information about the body’s mean volume of red blood cells. An MCV blood test is usually administered as part of a complete blood panel (CBC).
Red blood cells deliver oxygen to various tissues and organs of the body. A low MCV level means the red blood cells are smaller than usual and indicate iron deficiency anemia. A high MCV level means the red blood cells are larger than normal which can be a result of liver disease or vitamin deficiency.
Why is an MCV blood test done?
An MCV blood test can be recommended as part of a routine health checkup. It can also be recommended for diagnosis, treatment or follow-up of certain medical conditions.
Typically, an MCV test is used for:
- Diagnosing anemia in people with symptoms of fatigue, pale skin or light-headedness
- Differentiating between different types of anemia
- Estimating the likelihood of certain diseases
- Diagnosing and evaluating blood disorders
- Determining the effectiveness of treatment of certain medical conditions
For people diagnosed with anemia, an MCV blood test can distinguish between different types of anemia, such as:
- An MCV blood test for low levels is carried out if the person has symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.
- An MCV blood test for high level can is conducted to identify pernicious anemia and anemia related to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
- A normal MCV level can denote anemia caused due to:
- Kidney disease
- Acute Blood loss
- Chronic disease
- Endocrine diseases other than thyroid diseases
- Hemolytic anemias
Apart from identifying different types of anemia, an MCV blood test can also provide essential information such as:
- Estimating mortality rate in esophageal cancer
- Estimating the likelihood of kidney disease
- Predicting how a person with rectal cancer will respond to chemotherapy
- Evaluating cognitive function in older adults
How to Prepare for an MCV blood test?
An MCV blood test usually does not require any special preparation. However, if additional blood tests along with the MCV test are ordered, the doctor might recommend fasting for some time before the test.
How to Interpret MCV blood test Results?
HCV blood test results are reported in femtoliter (fl). The normal MCV blood test normal range is 80-100 fl. However, the levels can vary based on sex and age, as given below:
| Age | Female (fl) | Male (fl) |
| <10 | 82.4 | 81.9 |
| 10-19 | 87.6 | 87.3 |
| 20-29 | 90 | 89.8 |
| 30-39 | 90.4 | 90.4 |
| 40-49 | 91 | 91.3 |
| 50-59 | 91.1 | 92 |
| 60-69 | 91.6 | 92.5 |
| 70-79 | 92.1 | 93 |
| 80-89 | 92.5 | 93.6 |
What Does a Low MCV Level Mean?
A low MCV level denotes small red blood cells. This condition is called microcytosis. Some causes of low MCV include:
- Thalassemia
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Anemia of chronic disease
- Spherocytosis
- Lead poisoning
What Does a High MCV Level Mean?
A high MCV level means red blood cells are larger than normal. This condition is called macrocytosis. MCV levels usually increase with age without any cause. Some common conditions that can cause a high MCV level are:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Folate deficiency
- Liver disease
- High blood sugar
- Alcohol abuse
- Hypothyroidism
- Some hemolytic anemias
- Colorectal, esophageal and liver cancers
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Cold agglutin disease.
MCH levels above 125 are referred to as severe macrocytosis. This condition is usually caused by vitamin B12 deficiency or, folate deficiency or cold agglutin disease.
An MCV blood test is an essential diagnostic blood test that is used to evaluate the shape and size of red blood cells. A variation in red blood cells’ size and shape can be caused due to certain medical conditions which requires proper medical attention.
An MCV blood test is also part of routine blood tests for a general health checkup. If any individual suffers from symptoms of anemia given here, they should consult a doctor and book an MCV blood test at Dr Lal PathLabs immediately.
FAQs
1. What are the limitations of an MCV blood test?
Some limitations of an MCV blood test are:
- It cannot provide accurate diagnostic information in someone who has had a recent blood transfusion.
- An MCV blood test is less helpful if someone has multiple kinds of anemia.
2. Can someone have anemia with a normal MCV level?
Yes, anemia with a normal MCV level is possible. This condition is called normocytic anemia.
