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MCV – average red blood cell volume

MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) – the average red blood cell volume

MCV is a measure of the average size of red blood cells (red blood cells). It helps to determine the type of anemia and diagnose various hematopoietic disorders.

MCV norm in the blood test

  • Adults and children: 80-100 femtolitres (fl)
  • Newborns: 96-108 fl (usually higher than adults)

The role of MCV in the body

Red blood cells carry hemoglobin, which delivers oxygen to the tissues. Cell size (MCV) affects cell function:

  • Normal red blood cells (normocytes, 80-100 pl) – effectively perform their function.
  • Enlarged (macrocytes, > 100 fl) – may be less flexible, impairing microcirculation.
  • Reduced (microcytes, < 80 pl) – contain less hemoglobin, reducing the oxygen capacity of the blood.

Abnormal behavior: symptoms and causes

1. Elevated MCV (Macrocytic anemia)

Reasons:

  • Vitamin B₁₂ (cobalamin) or folic acid deficiency -DNA synthesis is disrupted, red blood cells grow, but do not mature.
  • Alcoholism is a toxic effect on the bone marrow.
  • Hypothyroidism -slowing down the metabolism affects hematopoiesis.
  • Taking certain medications (methotrexate, antiviral drugs).

Symptoms:

  • Weakness, rapid fatigue
  • Pallor with a yellowish tinge (due to increased destruction of large red blood cells)
  • Numbness in the extremities (with B₁₂ deficiency – damage to the nervous system)
  • Glossitis (inflammation of the tongue) , loss of appetite

2. Reduced MCV (microcytic anemia)

Reasons:

  • Iron deficiency is the most common variant (lack of building material for hemoglobin).
  • Chronic diseases (kidney failure, inflammation).
  • Thalassemia is a hereditary disorder of hemoglobin synthesis.
  • Lead poisoning -blocks the synthesis of heme.

Symptoms:

  • Weakness, dizziness
  • Pale skin, brittle nails and hair
  • Shortness of breath during exercise
  • Picacism (perversion of taste – the desire to eat ice, chalk)

Diagnosis and treatment

  • A general blood test (UAC) is the main method.
  • Additional information: ferritin, vitamin B₁₂, folic acid, iron levels.
  • Treatment depends on the cause:
  • For iron deficiency – Fe + vitamin C supplements.
  • In case of B₁₂/folate deficiency – b₁₂ injections or folic acid tablets.
  • For chronic diseases-therapy of the underlying disease.

Important: MCV is interpreted together with other indicators (MCH, MCHC, RDW) for accurate diagnosis of anemia.