MCV represents the average measurement of RBC volume. It is measured directly by automated instruments but calculated as Hct divided by RBC count with manual methods.
Normal range: 82.0 " “101.0 fL.
Use
MCV is helpful in the classification of anemias.
Interpretation
Increased In
Macrocytic anemias
Myelodysplastic syndromes
Alcoholism
Liver diseases
Hypothyroidism
Hemolysis with high reticulocyte count
Infants and newborns
Decreased In
Iron deficiency anemias
Thalassemias
Hereditary sideroblastic anemia
Lead poisoning
Anemia of chronic disease and other hemoglobinopathies (may be decreased or normal)
Limitations
MCV may be artificially increased with marked leukocytosis, numerous large platelets, cold agglutinins, methanol poisoning, marked hyperglycemia, and marked reticulocytosis.
MCV may be falsely decreased with in vitro hemolysis or fragmentation of RBCs.