MCV

Average volume (size) of red blood cells. Used to classify anemias as microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic; reflects bone marrow function and key nutrient status (iron, B12, folate).
Also known as:
Mean corpuscular volume
Mean cell volume
.

MCV ranges

Interpret your result
"Normal" lab range for MCV is between 80 and 100 fL:
80
100
According to OptimalDX, MCV should be between 82 and 89.9 fL:
82
89.9
Optimal range
Optimal range for MCV appears to be between 82 and 92 fL:
65
80
82
92
97
110
Why this optimal range?
Preliminary range is based on functional health organizations including but not limited to those listed above.

Low MCV

Common reasons for low MCV:

  • Low MCV indicates microcytic red blood cells, most commonly from iron deficiency.

    Other causes: thalassemia, sideroblastic anemia, anemia of chronic disease, vitamin B6 or copper deficiency, lead poisoning.

    ,

High MCV

Common reasons for high MCV:

  • High MCV indicates macrocytic red blood cells, most commonly from vitamin B12 deficiency (incl. pernicious anemia) or folate deficiency.

    Other causes: alcohol use, liver disease, hypothyroidism, hemochromatosis, megaloblastic or myelodysplastic anemia, elevated reticulocytes.

    ,

Possible consequences from high MCV:

  • For males: increased all-cause and cancer mortality
    The adjusted hazard ratio for MCV ≥95.8 fL in men for all-cause and cancer mortality was 1.51 (95% CI, 1.10-2.07) for men, compared with those in the reference group (90.5 fL ≤MCV <93.0 fL in men). Elevated MCV level was related to an increased risk of liver cancer mortality in men (aHR, 3.55; 95% CI, 1.75-7.21).
  • For females: all-cause mortality
    The adjusted hazard ratio for MCV ≥94.2 fL in women for all-cause mortality 1.25 (95% CI, 0.74-2.11) for women, compared with those in the reference group (89.2 fL ≤MCV <91.6 fL in women).

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Zsolt Szabo
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I am particularly interested in research on biomarkers associated with all-cause mortality and on defining optimal reference ranges.