Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) Test Results: A Complete Guide
Understanding MCV Blood Test Results
Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) tests measure average red blood cell size in CBC tests. MCV helps find and sort anemia and blood problems. If you recently received your results and need a personalized explanation regarding what they mean, LabAnalyzer offers a specific breakdown.
More broadly, this guide explains MCV results, what high and low numbers mean, and how age and gender affect readings.
MCV Level Reading
MCV uses femtoliters (fL) to show average red blood cell size. This helps sort blood problems by cell size.
Normal MCV Range:
Adults: 80–100 fL
Children and Newborns: Higher ranges for age
Reading MCV Numbers:
Normal MCV:
Cells show normal size
Points to ongoing disease
Shows quick blood loss
Early anemia signs
Small Cells (Low MCV):
Cells smaller than normal
Shows iron problems
Points to thalassemia
Large Cells (High MCV):
Cells larger than normal
Shows B12 problems
Points to folate needs
High MCV Causes
High MCV (macrocytosis) means red blood cells grow too large. This comes from food problems, life habits, or health issues.
Common High MCV Causes:
B12 Problems:
Changes DNA making
Creates large cells
Needs quick treatment
Folate Problems:
Poor diet causes
Alcohol use effects
Medicine changes
Alcohol Use:
Hurts bone marrow
Changes cell making
Affects cell size
Liver Disease:
Changes cell production
Makes wrong size cells
Shows liver problems
Thyroid Problems:
Slows body systems
Changes cell size
Affects production
High MCV Signs:
Tired feeling
Pale skin
Hard breathing
Numb feelings with B12 problems
High numbers need more tests to find causes.
Low MCV Study
Low MCV (microcytosis) shows smaller red blood cells. Links to iron problems or long-term health issues.
Common Low MCV Causes:
Iron Problems:
Most common reason
Poor diet
Blood loss
Poor absorption
Thalassemia:
Gene problem
Changes hemoglobin
Runs in families
Long-term Disease:
Body swelling
Ongoing illness
Changes iron use
Lead Problems:
Stops hemoglobin making
Causes small cells
Needs quick care
Low MCV Signs:
Feeling tired
Dizzy spells
Pale skin
Cold hands, feet
Weak nails
Hair loss
Low readings need iron tests or gene checks.
Links to Anemia Types
MCV helps sort anemia types to find causes and treatments.
Small Cell Anemia:
Main Causes:
Iron problems
Thalassemia
Long-term swelling
Normal Cell Anemia:
Main Causes:
Long-term disease
Quick blood loss
Cell breakdown
Large Cell Anemia:
Main Causes:
B12 shortages
Folate needs
Thyroid problems
Heavy drinking
MCV plus other tests like RDW, hemoglobin, and hematocrit show full blood health.
Age and Gender Effects
MCV changes with age and gender, changing how we read results.
Age Changes in MCV:
Newborns:
Higher levels normal
Larger baby cells
Numbers drop with age
Children:
Levels drop slowly
Body makes adult cells
Changes stay steady
Older Adults:
Slight rises normal
Health issues show up
Need regular checks
Gender Changes in MCV:
Women:
Lower MCV common
Monthly blood loss
More iron needs
Men:
High MCV less common
Shows health problems
Links to drinking or liver
Treatment From MCV Results
Fixing MCV problems means treating the main cause.
For High MCV:
Food Problems:
Add B12 pills
Take folate
Eat better foods
Life Changes:
Cut down drinking
Fix thyroid problems
Check liver health
Medicine Checks:
Change problem pills
Watch vitamin uptake
Track changes
For Low MCV:
Iron Help:
Take iron pills
Eat iron foods
Check absorption
Gene Help:
Check family history
Get special care
Plan treatment
Disease Care:
Fix swelling
Treat kidney problems
Watch progress
Regular checks show if treatments work.
Key Takeaway
MCV tests show red blood cell size and help find anemia and health problems. High, low, or normal MCV results help understand your health with other CBC tests. Work with healthcare providers for right diagnosis and treatment plans.