MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)
The average size of your red blood cells. Helps classify anemia as microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic.
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What is MCV?
MCV (mean corpuscular volume) measures the average size of your red blood cells in femtoliters (fL). It's part of a complete blood count (CBC) and is crucial for diagnosing different types of anemia.
Red blood cells can be:
- Microcytic (small) — MCV below normal
- Normocytic (normal size) — MCV normal
- Macrocytic (large) — MCV above normal
Normal Ranges
| MCV | Classification |
|---|---|
| Below 80 fL | Microcytic |
| 80–100 fL | Normocytic (normal) |
| Above 100 fL | Macrocytic |
Why It Matters
Anemia Classification
MCV quickly narrows down anemia causes:
Microcytic (small cells):
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Thalassemia
- Chronic disease (sometimes)
Macrocytic (large cells):
- B12 deficiency
- Folate deficiency
- Alcohol use
- Certain medications
- Hypothyroidism
Normocytic (normal size):
- Acute blood loss
- Chronic disease
- Kidney disease
- Mixed deficiencies
Treatment Guidance
Knowing MCV helps target testing and treatment. Microcytic anemia needs iron studies; macrocytic needs B12 and folate.
What Affects MCV
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Alcohol consumption (raises MCV)
- Bone marrow disorders
- Certain medications
- Reticulocytosis (young cells are larger)