test Details

Iron deficiency anaemia, Thalassemia, Vitamin B12 deficiency

Mean cell volume (MCV) or Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) test measures the size of red blood cells in your blood. Red blood cells (RBCs) are also called erythrocytes.

Red blood cells are vital to the human body. They are responsible for transporting oxygen to each organ of the body. They help in healthy functioning, gaseous exchange, nutrient exchange, and energy generation.

Thus, having the ideal size of red blood cells is very important for proper growth, development, recovery and maintenance of the body. If the red blood cells are too small or too large, it shows one is suffering from different conditions. These may be anaemia deficiency or a blood disorder. MCV value also helps in the calculation of the Mentzer index, which helps in the prediction of Iron deficiency anaemia and thalassemia.

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) blood test is often a part of the complete blood count test (CBC). It is a routine screening test used to measure different blood components, including erythrocytes, to determine blood disorders and nutritional deficiencies.

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) blood tests should be done if you have symptoms of blood disorders like continuous bleeding, fatigue, bruising, cold hands and feet, pale skin and pale nails.

Other names of MCV Test

• MCH test
• CBC test
• Blood profile test
• Anaemia test

What does the MCV Test detect/measure, and who is this prescribed for?

The MCV test measures the mean cell volume. The consulting physician will prescribe the MCV test if you have the following symptoms.

• Tiredness 
• Fainting 
• Loss of skin colour 
• Shortness of breath 
• Dizziness
• Nausea and dehydration 
• Altered mental status 
• Headache 

Some medical conditions in which an MCV test is prescribed

• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Thalassemia
• Vitamin b12 deficiency
• Folate deficiency
• Liver disease
• Alcoholism
• Hypothyroidism
• Aplastic Anaemia

The test is suitable for both men and women of all age groups. The doctor may ask you about any ongoing medicines and treatments.

What are the symptoms of high MCH?

The symptoms of high MCH are

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Severe headache
• Weakness
• Paleness

The results of the MCV blood test show the abnormal size of red blood cells. It can be larger or smaller than the normal size of red blood cells. The MCV test results are interpreted as either high or low, meaning the large or small size of red blood cells.

If MCV levels are above 100fl, it means the size of RBC has increased. It can happen in the following conditions:

• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Folate deficiency
• Liver disease
• Alcoholism
• Hypothyroidism
• Aplastic Anaemia
• Hypoxia
• MCV levels also increase with age
• Inhalation of some anaesthetic drugs

If MCV levels are below 80fl, it means the size of RBC has decreased. It can happen in the following conditions:

• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Thalassemia
• Anaemia because of some chronic diseases
• Sideroblastic anaemia
• Lead poisoning
• Spherocytosis

Abnormal levels of MCV are seen in cases of internal bleeding, kidney disease, malnutrition, or any other condition. If your MCV levels do not fall in the normal range, it does not mean that you have the diseases mentioned above. It is advised you consult a doctor.

For the MCV blood test, the phlebotomist collects blood from an arm of an individual and then sent out for analysis. It is completely safe, and you might just feel a slight sting, but it goes away in a few minutes.

Test Preparation

There is no special preparation needed for taking a Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) blood test. You can get it done anytime you want. If your health care provider has instructed another test for your blood, you may need to fast. This totally depends on the test that your healthcare practitioner orders.

It is advisable to follow the instructions to get accurate MCV test results. Your healthcare provider must be aware of your medical history. They must know the vitamin and mineral supplements they are taking as this may affect test levels.

Test inclusions: What parameters are included?

MCV shows the average size of red blood cells circulating in your bloodstream. High MCV levels show that your red blood cells are larger than normal. A low MCV level corresponds to sizes of erythrocytes smaller than the average.

How frequently should you take this test?

There is no specific time frame, but it should be done as instructed by your healthcare provider. The MCV results are very stable and do not change immediately unless it's a case of blood transfusion.

Your doctor may order you to undergo an MCV test as a part of your blood profile test. You must also get tested when you are showing symptoms of blood disorders, anaemia and other conditions which may affect normal blood flow.