MCV Blood Test: Purpose, Normal Range, Limitation

Mean corpuscular volume, or MCV blood test, is a test that measures the average count of your RBC (red blood cells). [1] It is a common blood test component termed a complete blood count (CBC). An MCV blood test, when combined with the findings of other tests, can assist your doctor in determining if you have anaemia, liver disease, or other problems.

What is MCV Blood Test?

MCV, or mean corpuscular volume, is a quantity determined by the blood test result. The RBC indices are a group of tests that assess certain aspects of RBC functionality, and the MCV blood test is one of them. The distribution of oxygen within the body can be impacted by variations in RBC volume, which may also indicate a blood problem or other medical issues.

A medical practitioner will use a tiny needle to collect blood from any vein in your arm during the MCV blood test. Following the insertion of the needle, a tiny amount of blood will be collected in a test tube or vial. You may feel a slight sting as the needle is inserted or removed. Generally, this only needs a few minutes.

Purpose of MCV Test

A CBC includes many numbers, one of which is the mean corpuscular volume. Hence, each time a CBC is requested, healthcare professionals see the MCV. As part of standard screening tests, an MCV blood test may be requested. It may also be performed as part of diagnosing, treating, and monitoring various medical disorders.

While assessing symptoms or a health condition, a healthcare professional may sometimes choose to focus directly on the MCV blood test. Such examples are:

• To assess potential anaemia symptoms such as tiredness, pale skin, and lightheadedness
• To distinguish between various anaemia kinds
• To assess further blood abnormalities, such as an abnormal platelet or white blood cell count
• In many medical conditions as an extra test
• As a prognosis estimate in patients with certain medical issues

If you exhibit anaemia-related symptoms, your doctor will request a CBC and closely compare the MCV to other tests, such as other RBC indices.

Among the early warning signs and symptoms of anaemia are:

• Consistently feeling weak or exhausted
• Hands and feet that are tingly and numb
• Appetite loss
• Becoming agitated
• Difficulties focusing or thinking
• Headaches

Other indications and symptoms that might appear as anaemia worsens include:

• The eye whites have a blue colour
• A desire to consume ice or other inedible items, such as dirt
• Pale skin tone
• Breathlessness during rest or light activity
• Mouth Ulcers
• Unsteadiness or lightheadedness after standing up
• An abnormally red or sore tongue
• Easily broken nails
• Unusual or more frequent menstrual bleeding

MCV Blood Test Normal Range

MCV blood test normal range in adults typically ranges from 80 to 100 femtoliters (fl). [2] Nevertheless, normal MCV levels differ across sexes and different age groups. The average outcomes from a 2022 analysis are as follows:

• The MCV of kids between the ages of 6 and 12 is typically 86 fl

People shouldn't be concerned if their reading is slightly above or below these ranges because MCV readings may vary between laboratories.

Low MCV Blood Test Levels

There are certain illnesses that an MCV blood test low or high may indicate. Yet, you shouldn't base your concerns just on your MCV findings. While evaluating your health, your doctor will consider your symptoms, other test findings, and your MCV.

Microcytosis is defined as low MCV (less than 80 fl. It could indicate:

• Anaemia from iron deficiency
• Thalassemia
• Other problems with hemoglobin

High MCV Blood Test Levels

Microcytosis (high MCV) is defined as more than 100 fl. It could indicate:

• Chronic anaemia
• Vitamins B12 Deficiency 
• A lack of folate
• Liver illness
• Dysfunction of the bone marrow, as in myelodysplastic syndrome

You could develop high MCV as a result of chemotherapy therapies.

MCV Blood Test Risk Factors

These blood tests are not regarded as dangerous. There may be some little bruising and discomfort at the time of the insertion of the needle, but these symptoms normally go away quickly.

Limitations of MCV Blood Test

Post-Transfusion

If a person has received blood transfusions, the MCV is of limited use. In this instance, the MCV would display the typical size of red blood cells from a transfusion and a person's own red blood cells. Thus, assessing the MCV before beginning a blood transfusion is important.

Mixed Anaemias

The MCV test will be less useful if a person has many types of anaemia. An individual's MCV could be normal, for instance, if they suffer from severe folic acid deficiency anaemia as well as severe iron deficiency anemia. That's because the first form of anaemia results in a low MCV, but the second type results in a high MCV, resulting in a generally normal reading.

False Positives

Anaemia can be diagnosed if a person is constantly weary and constantly feels chilly. Individuals who have anaemic symptoms should see a doctor.MCV low means (less than 80 fl) a person is more prone to develop or has microcytic anaemia, elevating HbA1c Normal Range. They may develop macrocytic anaemia if their MCV levels are higher than 100 fl. 

If you notice any anaemia signs, you should immediately seek medical care. You can book online lab test or opt for an online consultation with the doctors at Bajaj Finserv Health.