MEAN CORPUSCULAR VOLUME – MCV

In adults :

• 78-96 fl / micrometer³

• From the estimated Hb content, PCV and red cell count, it is possible to derive other values, which indicate the red cell volume, haemoglobin content and concentration in the red cells. These values are commonly referred to as the red blood cell indices.
• MCV – defines the volume or size of the average RBC. It is a measurement of the average size of a single red blood cell. It can be determined Indirectly by calculating the indices from PCV, Hb, and red cell count or Directly by automated counting
• MCV is the average volume of a red cell expressed in femtolitre
• MCV (fl) = (hematocrit (%) × 10) ÷ (RBC count in millions/ mm³)
• The MCV indicates whether the RBCs are microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic
• If the MCV is less than 80 fl, the red cells are microcytic
• If greater than 96 fl, the red cell will be macrocytic
• If it is within the normal range, red cells will be normocytic

• As a part of Complete Blood count
• When there is s/s of anemia (weakness or fatigue, Lack of energy, fainting, pallor, shortness of breath, irregular heart beat)
• When there is s/s suggesting an infection or inflammation

• When MCV is elevated the condition is called macrocytosis.
• It occurs due to a number of diseases, the most important being the megaloblastosis of the bone marrow due to vitamin B₁₂ or folate deficiency
• Myelodysplasia
• Liver disease
• Hypothyroidism

• Iron deficiency (as in iron deficiency anemia)
• Globin deficiency (as in Thalassemia)
• Microcytosis frequently occurs in anemia due to hypoproteinemia and iron deficiency