Mean corpuscular volume
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The mean corpuscular volume, or MCV, is a measure of the average red blood cell volume aka "how big" that is reported as part of a standard complete blood count.
In patients with anemia, it is the MCV measurement that allows classification as either a microcytic anemia (MCV below normal range) or macrocytic anemia (MCV above normal range).
It can be calculated by dividing the hematocrit by the red blood cell count and multiplying by ten. The result is typically reported in femtolitres.
If the MCV was determined by automated equipment, the result can be compared to RBC morphology on a peripheral blood smear. Any deviation would be indicative of either faulty equipment or technician error.
The normal range is typically 80-96 fL. In pernicious anemia (macrocytic), MCV can range up to 150 femtolitres. An enlarged MCV is also associated with alcoholism[1] (as are an elevated GGT and a ratio of AST:ALT of 2:1). In iron deficiency anemia (microcytic), it can be as low as 60 to 70 femtolitres. In cases of thalassemia, the MCV may be low even though the patient is not iron deficient.
[edit] References
- ^ Tønnesen H, Hejberg L, Frobenius S, Andersen J (1986). "Erythrocyte mean cell volume--correlation to drinking pattern in heavy alcoholics.". Acta Med Scand 219 (5): 515-8. PMID 3739755.
