MCV Blood Test (Mean Corpuscular Volume) For Blood Diseases

MCV Blood Test (Mean Corpuscular Volume) Calculates the average size of your red blood cell which is taken as part of a complete blood count (CBC) test.

 

MCV Blood Test

Also Known As	MCV Test, Mean Corpuscular Volume Test
Type	Blood Test
Purpose	Check Average Size of RBC in Blood
Sample Type	Blood
Preparation	No Special Preparation Required
Fasting	No
Gender	Unisex
Age-Group	All Ages
Normal Value	80-96 fl
Reporting Time	1 to 2 hours
Cost	50 - 200* INR

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

 

MCV Blood Test Full Form

Full Form of MCV Blood Test is Mean Corpusal Volume Test.

 

MCV Blood Test Meaning

• MCV stands for "mean corpuscular volume" and is a measure of the average size of the red blood cells in a person's blood.
• It is typically measured as part of a complete blood count (CBC) test, which is a routine blood test that provides information about the different types of blood cells in a person's blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
• The MCV measurement is important because it can help diagnose different types of anemia and provide information about the underlying cause.
• Anemia is a condition in which the body doesn't have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin, which is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
• There are different types of anemia, and the MCV measurement can help distinguish between them.
• If the MCV is high, it suggests that the red blood cells are larger than normal, which can be a sign of certain types of anemia, such as megaloblastic anemia or hemolytic anemia.
• If the MCV is low, it suggests that the red blood cells are smaller than normal, which can be a sign of iron-deficiency anemia or thalassemia, among other conditions.
• In general, the MCV measurement is an important tool for diagnosing and managing different types of anemia and other blood disorders.

Interesting Facts About Blood

• Blood is a vital fluid in the human body that carries oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body's tissues and organs.
• The average adult human body contains about 4.5 to 5.5 liters of blood, accounting for approximately 7-8% of their total body weight.

 

MCV Blood Test Purpose

Here are some of the purposes of the MCH blood test:

• To measure the average amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell.
• To diagnose and monitor various medical conditions such as anemia, which is characterized by low levels of red blood cells or hemoglobin.
• To help differentiate between different types of anemia, such as iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia, which may have similar symptoms but require different treatments.
• To monitor the effectiveness of treatment for anemia or other blood disorders.
• To screen for certain medical conditions, such as vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, which can also cause anemia.
• To assess the risk of developing cardiovascular disease or other chronic conditions, as high MCH levels have been associated with an increased risk of these conditions in some studies.
• To monitor overall health and nutrition, as MCH levels can be affected by dietary factors such as iron, vitamin B12, and folate intake.

 

 

MCV Blood Test Preparation

Here are the prepration for MCV blood test before, during, and after the test:

 

Before the Test

• You may be instructed to fast for a certain amount of time before the test, although this is not always necessary.
• Inform your healthcare provider of any medications or supplements you are taking, as they may affect the results of the test.
• Wear clothing with loose sleeves that can be easily rolled up to access the arm.

 

During the Test

• A healthcare professional will clean the area on the inside of your elbow and insert a needle to draw a blood sample.
• You may feel a slight pinch or sting during the blood draw.
• The procedure typically takes only a few minutes.

 

After the Test

• You can resume your normal activities right after the test.
• You may experience some mild bruising or soreness at the site of the needle prick, but this should go away within a few hours to a day.
• The results of the test are usually available within a few days to a week, and your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you during a follow-up appointment.

 

It's important to note that the above points are general guidelines, and specific instructions may vary depending on your healthcare provider and the laboratory performing the test.

 

If you have any concerns or questions about the test, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

 

MCV Blood Test Procedure

Here are some bullet points outlining the purposes of the MCV blood test:

• To measure the average size of the red blood cells in a person's blood.
• To help diagnose different types of anemia and other blood disorders.
• To distinguish between different types of anemia based on the size of the red blood cells.
• To monitor the effectiveness of treatment for anemia or other blood disorders.
• To assess the risk of certain health conditions that may affect the size of red blood cells, such as liver disease or alcoholism.
• To evaluate overall health and provide information about the body's ability to transport oxygen to different tissues and organs.

 

It's important to note that the MCV test is typically performed as part of a complete blood count (CBC), which provides information about other aspects of blood health as well, including white blood cell count, platelet count, and hemoglobin levels.

 

The results of the MCV test are often interpreted in conjunction with other CBC test results to provide a more comprehensive picture of blood health.

 

MCV Blood Test Report

MCV Blood Test Report PDF

 

MCV Blood Test Normal Range

Here is a table with the normal MCV ranges:

Age Group	MCV Range (fL)
Adult men	80-100
Adult women	80-100
Children	70-86
Newborns	95-121

Note that the normal range may vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the specific equipment used to perform the test. Your healthcare provider will interpret your test results and discuss any abnormalities or concerns with you.

 

MCV Blood Test Interpretation

Here is a table that provides a general interpretation of Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) results:

MCV Range (fL)	Interpretation
< 80	Microcytic anemia, which can be caused by iron deficiency or thalassemia
80-100	Normal range
> 100	Macrocytic anemia, which can be caused by vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, alcohol abuse, or other conditions

 

Specimen Requirments For MCV Blood Test

Here are the specimen requirements for MCV Test.

Specimen	Blood
Volume	2 ml
Container	Purple / Lavender Top Tube

 

MCV Blood Test High

Here's a table summarizing some common causes of high MCV levels:

Cause	Description
Macrocytic anemia	A type of anemia characterized by red blood cells that are larger than normal. This can be caused by deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folate.
Liver disease	Some types of liver disease, such as cirrhosis, can interfere with the body's ability to process and metabolize certain nutrients, leading to anemia and high MCV levels.
Alcoholism	Heavy alcohol consumption can interfere with the body's ability to absorb and metabolize certain nutrients, leading to anemia and high MCV levels.
Hypothyroidism	An underactive thyroid gland can cause a variety of symptoms, including anemia and high MCV levels.
Bone marrow disorders	Certain bone marrow disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndrome, can lead to abnormal red blood cell production and high MCV levels.
Certain medications	Some medications, such as chemotherapy drugs or antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV, can cause high MCV levels as a side effect.

 

It's important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and other factors may also contribute to high MCV levels. If you have concerns about your MCV levels or any other aspect of your blood health, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

 

MCV Blood Test Low

Here's a table summarizing some common causes of low MCV levels:

Cause	Description
Iron deficiency anemia	A condition in which the body doesn't have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
Thalassemia	A group of inherited blood disorders that cause the body to produce abnormal hemoglobin, leading to low levels of healthy red blood cells.
Sideroblastic anemia	A rare type of anemia in which the bone marrow produces immature red blood cells that can't carry oxygen effectively.
Chronic disease	Some chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or kidney disease, can interfere with the body's ability to produce healthy red blood cells.
Lead poisoning	Exposure to high levels of lead can interfere with the body's production of hemoglobin and lead to anemia.
Bone marrow disorders	Certain bone marrow disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndrome or aplastic anemia, can lead to low levels of red blood cells.
Alcoholism	Heavy alcohol consumption can interfere with the body's ability to produce healthy red blood cells.

It's important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and other factors may also contribute to low MCV levels. If you have concerns about your MCV levels or any other aspect of your blood health, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

 

Is MCV Blood Test Is Safe?

• Yes, the MCV blood test is generally considered safe. It is a routine blood test that is performed on millions of people each year without complications.
• Like all blood tests, there is a small risk of infection or bleeding at the site where the needle is inserted.
• However, these risks are very low and can be minimized by ensuring that the healthcare professional performing the test follows proper safety and hygiene protocols.
• If you have any concerns or questions about the MCV blood test or any other medical procedure, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider. They can provide more information and help you make an informed decision about your care.

 

When Do You Get MCV Blood Test Results?

• The time it takes to receive MCV blood test results can vary depending on the laboratory that performs the test and the healthcare provider who ordered it.
• In general, it usually takes 1 to 2 hours to receive the results.
• Once the blood sample is collected, it is sent to a laboratory for analysis.
• The laboratory technicians will measure the MCV level in the sample and report the results back to the healthcare provider who ordered the test.
• The healthcare provider will then review the results and discuss them with you during a follow-up appointment or over the phone.

 

MCV Blood Test Limitation

Here are some possible limitations of the MCV Blood Test.

• MCV Blood Test alone cannot provide a definitive diagnosis.
• Elevated AST levels can have various causes, including liver or muscle damage.
• AST levels can be influenced by factors like medications and recent physical activity.

 

MCV Blood Test Risk Factors

Here is the potential risk factor of the MCV Blood Test.

• Risk of infection or bleeding at the blood draw site.
• Potential discomfort or pain during the blood draw procedure.
• Rare allergic reactions to the needle or antiseptic used.

 

Doctor Recommendations After MCV Blood Test Result

Here are Doctor recommendations or consult a specialist after MCV Blood Test.

MCV Result	Doctor to Visit	Reason to Go to Doctor
High	Hematologist	Potential blood disorders
Normal	General Practitioner	Routine check-up, further evaluation if needed
Low	General Practitioner	Possible iron deficiency or anemia

 

MCV Blood Test Price

Here are the estimated MCV Blood Test Price in India with different top cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	50 - 200
New Delhi	100 - 200
Bangalore	50 - 200
Hyderabad	100 - 200
Kolkata	50 - 200
Pune	50 - 200
Lucknow	100 - 200
Noida	50 - 200
Surat	100 - 200
Gurugram	50 - 200
Patna	100 - 200
Chennai	50 - 200
Jaipur	100 - 200
Ahmedabad	50 - 200

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

 

Summary

Overall MCV blood test help to diagnose or monitor certain blood disorders, including anemia. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

 

Reference

• Improved classification of anemias by MCV and RDW J D Bessman, P R Gilmer Jr, F H Gardner [1].
• Mean corpuscular volume By Wikipedia [2].