The mean corpuscular volume, or MCV, is a measure of the average red blood cell volume (i.e. size) that is reported as part of a standard complete blood count. Human red blood cells Red blood cells are the most common type of blood cell and the vertebrate bodys principal means of delivering oxygen from the lungs or gills to body tissues via the blood. ... Schematics of shorthand for complete blood count commonly used by physicians. ...

In patients with anemia, it is the MCV measurement that allows classification as either a microcytic anemia (MCV below normal range) or macrocytic anemia (MCV above normal range). Anemia (AmE) or anaemia (BrE), from the Greek () meaning without blood, is a deficiency of red blood cells (RBCs) and/or hemoglobin. ... Microcytic anemia is characterised by small red blood cells. ...

It can be calculated (in litres) by dividing the hematocrit by the red blood cell count (number of red blood cells per litre). The result is typically reported in femtolitres. The hematocrit (Ht or HCT) and packed cell volume (PCV) are measures of the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells. ... Schematics of shorthand for complete blood count commonly used by physicians. ...

If the MCV was determined by automated equipment, the result can be compared to RBC morphology on a peripheral blood smear. Any deviation would be indicative of either faulty equipment or technician error. A microscopic view of an abnormal blood film. ...

The normal range is typically 80-96 fL. In presence of hemolytic anaemia, presence of reiculocytes can increase MCV. In pernicious anemia (macrocytic), MCV can range up to 150 femtolitres. An enlarged MCV is also associated with alcoholism^[1] (as are an elevated GGT and a ratio of AST:ALT of 2:1). Vitamin B12 deficiency has also been associated with macrocytic anemia (high MCV numbers). The most common causes of microcytic anemia are iron deficiency (due to inadequate dietary intake, gastrointestinal blood loss, or menstrual blood loss), thalassemia, or chronic disease. A low MCV number in a patient with a positive stool guaiac test (bloody stool) is highly suggestive of GI cancer. In iron deficiency anemia (microcytic anemia), it can be as low as 60 to 70 femtolitres. In cases of thalassemia, the MCV may be low even though the patient is not iron deficient. To help compare different orders of magnitude this page lists volumes between 10-18 cubic meters and 10-17 cubic meters (1 femtolitre and 10 femtolitres). ... I think this is cool Pernicious anemia is loosely used to mean a state of anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency. ... Alcoholism is the consumption of, or preoccupation with, alcoholic beverages to the extent that this behavior interferes with the drinkers normal personal, family, social, or work life, and may lead to physical or mental harm. ... Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT or GGTP, or Gamma-GT) (EC 2. ... Aspartate transaminase (AST) also called Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT) or aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) (EC 2. ... Alanine transaminase or ALT is an enzyme (EC 2. ... Cobalamin or vitamin B12 is a chemical compound that is also known as cyanocobalamine. ... Microcytic anemia is characterised by small red blood cells. ... Guaiac cards and bottle of developer. ... Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, and the most common cause of microcytic anemia. ... Thalassemia (American English) or thalassaemia (British English) is a recessive trait inherited disease of the red blood cells. ...

References

1. ^ Tønnesen H, Hejberg L, Frobenius S, Andersen J (1986). "Erythrocyte mean cell volume--correlation to drinking pattern in heavy alcoholics.". Acta Med Scand 219 (5): 515-8. PMID 3739755. 

See also

• Anemia: Differential Diagnosis
• Liver function tests
• Full blood count
• Mean corpuscular hemoglobin
• Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration