What is MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) in Blood Test? What is High and Low MPV (Mean Platelet Volume)? Causes & Treatment?
- Health Garden
- Mar 27, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 17, 2024
MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) in blood test is a test that measures the average size of your platelets.
Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small blood cells that are essential for blood clotting. Clotting is the process that helps you stop bleeding after an injury. In addition, platelets produced in the bone marrow play a role in repairing vascular damage and healing wounds.
MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) test is used to diagnose bleeding disorders and bone marrow diseases.
MPV test result alone may not be sufficient to make a complete diagnosis. Along with the MPV test, the number of platelets in your blood and the size difference between platelets (PDW - Platelet Distribution Width test) are also measured and these values are evaluated together.
What is A Normal MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) in Blood Test ?
A normal MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) is 7 to 9 fL (femtoliters). Normal value ranges may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory. It is necessary to take into account the reference values of the laboratory where the test was performed.
Age, gender, race, menstruation, pregnancy, altitude, lifestyle (diet, smoking, drinking alcohol, physical activity) and some genetic problems can affect both MPV and platelet count.
What is High MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) in Blood Test?
High MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) in the blood test is MPV value higher than 9 fL (femtoliters).
If the MPV value is high, it means that the newly produced platelets are in larger volume than the previously produced platelets.
High MPV alone does not mean that you have any disease. Other blood values are also checked to make the result more meaningful. For example, a low platelet count and a high MPV value means that the bone marrow produces platelets rapidly. In such a case, due to excessive platelet destruction, it is possible that the bone marrow will produce platelets very quickly to compensate for this.
What Causes High MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) in Blood Test?
Possible causes of high MPV include:
Bone marrow disorder called myeloproliferative
Preeclampsia, also known as pregnancy poisoning
Vitamin B12, D or folate deficiency
Thrombocytopenia, which occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets
Hyperthyroidism, which occurs due to overactivity of the thyroid gland and develops when too much thyroid hormone is secreted into the bloodstream.
Crohn's Disease
Macrothrombocytopenia (giant platelet disorders)
Cardiovascular diseases
Diabetes
Hemolytic anemia
Apart from these diseases, there are some studies showing that people who have had COVID-19 have higher MPV measurement results than those who have never had it. More and comprehensive research is needed to clarify the MPV-COVID relationship.
High MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) Symptoms
Bleeding that lasts for a long time
Nose bleeding
Bleeding gums
Small red or purplish spots on the skin
Bruising easily
Excessive menstrual bleeding
Dizziness
Headache
Fatigue
Pain and burning in the feet and hands
How to Treat High MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) Level?
Treatment for high MPV is determined by the underlying cause. Your doctor may request additional tests to make a definitive diagnosis. After a definitive diagnosis is made, the appropriate treatment protocol will be applied.
What is Low MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) in Blood Test?
A low MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) in a blood test is a value below 7 fL (femtolitres). Results may vary slightly between laboratories. You should take into account the reference value of your own laboratory.
If the MPV value is low, it may mean that your bone marrow is not making new platelets or is not producing large enough platelets.
Evaluating low MPV together with platelet count may help make a correct diagnosis.
A low platelet count and low MPV may indicate bone marrow disorders that slow or reduce platelet production, such as aplastic anemia.
High platelet count and low MPV usually indicate infection, inflammation or cancer. Normal platelet count and low MPV are common in chronic renal failure.
What Causes Low MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) in Blood Test?
Possible causes of low MPV include:
Certain cancers
Side effects from certain medicines
Aplastic anemia
Autoimmune diseases
Bacterial or viral infections
Genetic conditions
Alcohol use disorder
Low MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) Symptoms
Fatigue
Bleeding problems
Small red-purplish dots on the skin (petechiae)
Painful joints or muscles
Frequent infections
Sleeping problems
How to Treat Low MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) Level?
Treatment of low MPV depends on the underlying cause. If there is any disease, initiating treatment for this may cause MPV values to return to normal. In case of MPV changes due to chronic disease or long-term treatments, blood values can be monitored with regular blood tests.