MCV

Complete Blood CountBlood HealthBloodPhenoAge

MCV measures the average size of the red blood cells.

Why it matters: A large number of unusually large or unusually small red blood cells can point to certain conditions. An MCV on its own does not provide enough information for a diagnosis.

Source · Cleveland Clinic — what it is, why it matters, what moves it, related conditions

Reference Range
80.0 – 100.0fL
80
100LowNormalHigh
What Moves It

May increase with:

Pernicious anemia
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Folate deficiency
Liver disease
Bone marrow dysfunction
Chemotherapy

May decrease with:

Iron-deficiency anemia
Thalassemia
Other hemoglobin disorders
Associated Conditions
Iron-deficiency anaemia, which a low result, called microcytosis, may be a sign ofThalassaemia, which a low result may be a sign ofOther haemoglobin disorders, which a low result may be a sign ofPernicious anaemia, which a high result, called macrocytosis, may be a sign ofVitamin B12 deficiency, which a high result may be a sign ofFolate deficiency, which a high result may be a sign ofLiver disease, which a high result may be a sign ofBone marrow dysfunction, as in myelodysplastic syndrome, which a high result may be a sign of
Related Markers
MCHMCHCIronVitamin B12
Common questions

What is MCV?

MCV measures the average size of the red blood cells.

What might a high or low MCV mean?

A large number of unusually large or unusually small red blood cells can point to certain conditions. An MCV on its own does not provide enough information for a diagnosis.

What is the typical reference range for MCV?

The general-population reference range shown here is 80 – 100 fL. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.

What can affect MCV?

It may be higher with: Pernicious anemia, Vitamin B12 deficiency, Folate deficiency, Liver disease, Bone marrow dysfunction, Chemotherapy. It may be lower with: Iron-deficiency anemia, Thalassemia, Other hemoglobin disorders.

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