What is MCV in a Blood test?

MCV is a blood test marker that measures red blood cells.

You’re given a result for it once you’ve completed a?Complete Blood Count?test.

So what do the results of this test marker measure?

MCV is the total volume of packed red blood cells (hematocrit), divided by the total number of red blood cells.?Then the result of this division is multiplied by 10.

So hematocrit ? total red blood cell count x 10 = MCV

Fun stuff.

At any rate, you don’t actually have to know anything about how they get the number.

You just have to know what the number we’ve been given means for your health.

What is the Normal Range of MCV Blood Test Results?

The normal reference range for MCV is between 78-98 FL.

This means that if your results are within – or very close to – 78-98, then you should be doing just fine.?But be sure to check your specific result papers closely, since some tests might conclude a slightly different normal range.

If your results are within the healthy range, then lucky you! You can leave this page happy.?If you’re not in the healthy range, then?let’s look at what it means for you.

What Does a High MCV Test Result Mean?

If your MCV levels are in the higher range (Above 98 FL) there could be a variety of causes.

Here’s a list of a few risky conditions associated with high MCV:

• Liver disease
• Alcohol abuse
• Hypothyroidism
• Myelofibrosis
• Marrow Aplasia
• Reticulocytosis
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency

If you have a particularly high result you’re going to want to get some extra tests done.

The most common cause of high MCV results is Macrocytic Anemia, also called Macrocytosis. This means that your blood cells are too large. If your results are high your doctor will likely want to run further tests. But note that elevated levels are often a benign or very low risk.

What Does a Low MCV Test Result Mean?

Typical low readings are around?60-70 FL.

Just like a low reading, there’s a variety of reasons why you result might be high. The most common cause being anemia.

In this case, it is Microcytic Anemia or Microcytosis. This is a condition that involves an abnormally low amount of hemoglobin in the blood (a substance that that helps carry oxygen to cells).?If you think you’re low readings might be due to anemia, you might want to?get tested for anemia.?Microcytosis is more dangerous than Macrocytosis. It is definitely something you should have checked out.

Low results can also be due to iron deficiency, inadequate dietary intake, gastrointestinal blood loss or?menstruation,?allergies, chronic disease, lead poisoning and kidney failure.

For more in-depth information consult with your doctor.