What Is MCV in a Blood Test? Your Comprehensive Guide
According to the National Institute of General Sciences, there are nearly 30 trillion cells in the human body. Almost 86% are blood cells.
This is part of what makes regular blood draws so essential. Red blood cells are especially important because they carry oxygen throughout the body. Several tests can make sure they’re doing their job correctly.
What is MCV in a blood test? Read on to learn the answer and how it affects your health.
What Is MCV In a Blood Test?
What is MCV in a blood test? It’s an acronym to help identify blood composition.
What does it stand for? MCV stands for mean corpuscular volume.
Knowing whether your red blood cells are small, normal, or large can help identify various conditions. It’s useful for identifying different types of anemia. These conditions occur when red blood cells don’t provide enough oxygen.
Why You Might Need an MCV Test
Doctors may order an MCV test as part of a routine health exam. They’re also likely to order one if you show symptoms of anemia.
Early signs include:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Numbness or tingling
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking
- Headaches
Anemia can go from uncomfortable to deadly. The symptoms will become more obvious and dangerous. They could include:
- Pale skin
- Pica
- Shortness of breath
- Mouth ulcers
- Sore tongue
- Dizziness or lightheadedness upon standing
- Fragile nails or hair
- Changes in your menstrual cycle
It also helps monitor chronic diseases.
Other Complementary Blood Test Indicators
When it comes to MCV significance, its primary purpose is to diagnose anemias and other conditions. It should work alongside other blood test indicators and diagnostic tools.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A complete blood count (CBC) estimates the total amount of red and white blood cells in your body. It also looks at the volume of platelets, which are important for blood clotting.
Checking for any abnormalities in these amounts can help diagnose a variety of blood diseases. An MCV can be an important part of it.
HCT and HGB
Hematocrit (HCT) tests measure the concentration of red blood cells in the blood. It can be combined with an MCV test to determine whether anemia is due to a lack of cells or their abnormal size.
Hemoglobin (HGB) tests check your levels of hemoglobin, the part of the red blood cells that carries oxygen. It can work with MCV tests to determine what type of anemia you have.
The RBC Indices
An MCV is typically performed along with a group of other blood tests used to measure and monitor the red blood cells.
They’re known as RBC indices and include:
- Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH)
- Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)
- Red cell distribution width (RDW)
They provide more information, such as how much hemoglobin a single cell has and the variation in red blood cell size.
The Testing Process
There isn’t much preparation required for an MCV test. You’ll only have to fast if you’re also getting other blood draws that require it.
A phlembotomist will locate a vein and clean it with an alcohol wipe. Then, they’ll put a rubber band called a tournequet around it to keep the vein accessible. You’ll get a gauze pad or cotton swab to prevent any further bleeding. The samples go to a lab for testing when completed.
A mobile phlembotomist can bring the equipment to you. They can do the test at your home or a senior living facility.
Side effects after the test are rare. They may include slight dizziness or bruising. If you feel dizzy, you can wait at the draw site briefly until you can safely leave.
How to Interpret MCV Results
It could take a few minutes or a few days for your results to be available to view. Most reports will show up on your online portal. A member of your healthcare team may also contact you about the results.
The normal MCV range is 80-100 femtoliters (fL) for adults.
A low result indicates microcytic anemia. Blood cells can’t produce enough oxygen, so they shrink to make up the difference. They also point to conditions such as:
- Iron deficiencies
- Thallacemia
- Lead poisoning
- Sickle cell disease
- Kidney disease
- Chronic inflammation
A high result indicates macrocytic anemia. Larger blood cells don’t transport oxygen well and can make you feel tired and weak. They’re also related to:
- Vitamin B12 or folate deficiencies
- Liver disease
- Alcoholism
- Abnormal thyroid function
- Chemotherapy
Even a normal result could indicate normocytic anemia. The red blood cells are normal, but there aren’t enough of them. This typically occurs after sudden blood loss or kidney failure. It could even be a sign of aplastic anemia, a rare disorder where the body doesn’t produce enough blood cells on its own.
Always rely on a healthcare professional to fully interpret MCV results. Levels can be influenced by more than health conditions and nutrient levels. Children tend to have higher levels, while seniors tend to be at the lower end of the scale. Men have higher values than women.
Addressing MCV Issues
MCV irregularities often come from iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiencies. Give your cells the fuel they need with foods such as:
- Nuts
- Legumes
- Beans
- Seeds
- Leafy greens
- Eggs
- Dairy
- Meat
- Seafood
According to the World Health Organization, only around 8% of those with alcohol use disorder in the US were getting treatment. If you struggle with it, get help as soon as possible. It affects the production of new red blood cells and damages your bones.
Where to Get Blood Testing Today
What is MCV in a blood test? It’s a measure of the size of your red blood cells. You could be dealing with any of the various forms of anemia. The test can provide important diagnostic information when combined with other methods.
Precision Labs turns blood testing from a complicated process into a convenient one. We’ll meet you where you are. You don’t have to sacrifice convenience for accurate, on-time results.
Our certified team is here to meet your needs, from staffing to on-facility or at-home visits. Learn more about our blood testing services today.