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MCVfL
MCV is the average size of your red blood cells. It helps sort out different causes of anemia.
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What MCV measures
MCV is the average size of your red blood cells. It helps sort out different causes of anemia.
If your MCV is low
Smaller-than-typical red cells (microcytosis) are most commonly associated with low iron, and sometimes with inherited hemoglobin traits.
Commonly associated with
- Low iron
- Thalassemia trait
- Chronic blood loss
If your MCV is high
Larger-than-typical red cells (macrocytosis) are commonly associated with vitamin B12 or folate levels, alcohol use, thyroid function and some medications.
Commonly associated with
- Vitamin B12 or folate levels
- Alcohol use
- Thyroid function
- Certain medications
Typical reference range
| Group | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Adults | 79 – 97 fL |
Typical adult values used by many US labs. Your own report prints the range your lab validated for its method, and that range is the one that counts. Labwise always uses the printed range first.
If it is within range
Your red cells are of typical size.
Also listed as
Mean Corpuscular Volume, Mean Cell Volume
Related tests
This page is general information about what a laboratory test measures and what results outside a reference range are commonly associated with. It is not medical advice, does not diagnose any condition and does not replace your clinician. Discuss your results with your healthcare provider.