Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)
Type:
Calculated value
MCV represents the average volume of a single red blood cell.
It helps determine the size of red blood cells, providing insight into different types of anemia and the overall health and functionality of red blood cells.
Primary Function:
Normal Values:
82 - 100 fL.
Low MCV levels indicate microcytic anemia, where red blood cells are smaller than normal, often due to iron deficiency. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Symptoms/Pathology in Deficiency:
High MCV levels can suggest macrocytic anemia, where red blood cells are larger than normal, often associated with deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folic acid. This may also occur due to alcohol abuse or other factors affecting red blood cell production.
Symptoms/Pathology in Increase:
