GLOSSARY
MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)
The average size of your red blood cells. Helps classify anemia as microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic.
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)
Related Biomarkers
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