What is Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) in Blood Test? What is High and Low MCV Value? Causes & Treatment?
- Health Garden
- Feb 26, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 19, 2024
Mean Particle Volume (MCV) is a blood test that measures the average size of your red blood cells.
Red blood cells are blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues and organs.
When considered together with the results of other tests, the MCV blood test can help your healthcare provider determine whether you have anemia, certain vitamin deficiencies, liver disease, or other conditions.
MCV is expressed in femtolitre (Fl) units.
What is A Normal MCV Level in Blood Test ?
The normal Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) level in a blood test is between 80-100 Fl (femtolitre) in adults.
It is considered normal for the MCV value to be between 96-108 Fl in newborn babies.
What is High MCV Value in Blood Test?
A high Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) value in a blood test is above the upper limit. This is defined as more than 100 Fl in adults and 108 Fl in newborns.
When Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) value is high, it means that white blood cells are larger than normal.
What Causes High MCV Level in Blood Test?
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Folate Deficiency
Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Alcohol Dependence
Hypothyroidism: Since thyroid hormone contributes to the formation of red blood cells, erythrocyte production decreases in the absence of this hormone. In this case, anemia can occur in normocytic (normal-sized blood cells) or macrocytic (enlarged blood cells) form.
Medication Use: Various medications can prevent the absorption of B12 and folic acid, causing macrocytic anemia. Examples of these include drugs used in cancer treatment, malaria and epilepsy drugs, metformin used in diabetic patients and some antiviral drugs.
Liver Diseases
How to Treat High MCV Level?
In order to reduce the high Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) value, the underlying cause is usually identified and treatment is directed towards it. For example, if B12 and folic acid levels are low, B12 and folic acid supplements are given. B12 can be administered orally or intramuscularly, while folic acid is usually available as an oral medication. If there is chronic alcoholism, alcohol consumption should be stopped immediately.
What is Low MCV Value in Blood Test?
Low Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) value in the blood is a value below the lower reference value. This is defined as less than 80 Fl in adults, 96 in newborns.
This often suggests a type of anemia called microcytic anemia, in which red blood cells are smaller than normal.
What Causes Low MCV Level in Blood Test?
Iron deficiency anemia: It is the most common type of microcytic anemia. Malnutrition, periods of rapid growth, chronic blood loss, prolonged menstrual bleeding, celiac disease and Helicobacter infections can lead to this condition. Iron deficiency is especially common in children and pregnant women. Symptoms include pallor, fatigue, loss of appetite, feeling cold easily, sleep problems, desire to eat soil, need to feel iron in the mouth, dry and cracked lips, inflammation of the tongue and pallor of the nails along with structural changes.
Thalassemia (Mediterranean anemia): It is a type of anemia of genetic origin. It is more common in certain geographical regions and ethnic groups. Thalassemia is divided into two categories: carriers and actual patients. Hb and MCV levels in the blood of thalassemia patients are low, and serum iron may be normal or low. Patients usually show early symptoms with very low blood values. Thalassemia trait is often confused with iron deficiency. Definitive diagnosis is made with a test called hemoglobin electrophoresis.
Lead poisoning or high lead exposure: It occurs in people who work with paint and lead-containing chemicals, people who live in areas with high air pollution, miners, automotive mechanics and people working in ceramic workshops. MCV level is low and this condition can be confused with iron deficiency. Typical symptoms are seen in the gums and long bones. It may cause fatigue and encephalopathy in children.
Anemia of chronic disease: Crohn's disease, kidney disorders, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, AIDS, endocarditis, and various cancers can lead to microcytic anemia.
Sideroblastic anemia: It is a type of anemia that develops as a result of gene mutation. Iron accumulation is seen in red blood cells, MCV is low.
How to Treat Low MCV Level?
In order to increase the low Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) level, the underlying cause must first be found and the treatment should be directed towards this.
In case of iron deficiency, iron supplements and vitamin C are given and this treatment usually lasts 2-3 months. A full blood test and serum iron test are then performed.
If excessive bleeding occurs due to menstrual irregularity, hormone medications can be used.
In microcytic anemia caused by chronic diseases, the underlying disease must be treated.
Dimercaprol and EDTA are recommended for lead poisoning, and copper supplements are recommended for copper deficiency.
In case of chronic alcoholism, the patient is referred to alcohol rehabilitation.
People with severe thalassemia may need regular blood transfusions, but carriers usually do not need treatment.
Helicobacter infections should be treated with appropriate antibiotics.