Your MCV value measures the average size of your red blood cells. MCV stands for Mean Corpuscular Volume and helps determine the cause of anaemia or detect other blood abnormalities.
Normal values
80-100 fL is normal. Below 80: microcytic (too small). Above 100: macrocytic (too large).
MCV too low (microcytic)
Most commonly caused by iron deficiency. Also chronic disease and thalassaemia. Ferritin is usually measured alongside to refine diagnosis.
MCV too high (macrocytic)
Most commonly B12 deficiency in the Netherlands. Also folate deficiency, chronic alcohol use, hypothyroidism and certain medications.
MCV in context
Low MCV + low ferritin = iron deficiency anaemia. High MCV + low B12 = megaloblastic anaemia. Normal MCV + low haemoglobin = normocytic anaemia (chronic disease).
Frequently asked questions
How long until MCV normalises after treatment?
Since red blood cells live about 120 days, it takes 2-4 months for MCV to fully normalise after correcting a deficiency.
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