What Is MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) in a Blood Test?
Most medical diagnoses begin with a blood test. During a blood test, levels of various components are examined in order to determine the state of a person’s health. One of the most common tests carried out as part of a blood test is the Mean Corpuscular Volume or MCV. In this article, we will cover exactly what an MCV test is and why it is important.
What Is MCV?
Mean Corpuscular Volume is a calculation of the average size of red blood cells. It is determined by taking the total volume of the red blood cells in the sample, and dividing it by the total number of cells in the sample. The value is then expressed in femtoliters (one femtoliter is equal to 1 cubic micrometer).
The red blood cells in the human body carry oxygen and other substances from one part of the body to another. Red blood cells are larger than other types of cells, however, the size of individual red blood cells can vary between patients. This is why it is essential to perform an MCV test to ensure that the cells are within normal limits.
What Does An MCV Test Show?
The aim of an MCV test is to determine the number and size of the red blood cells in a patient’s blood. Generally speaking, if the MCV is above the normal range it indicates that the red blood cells are larger than they should be and if the MCV is below the normal range it suggests that the red blood cells are smaller than they should be.
If the MCV test shows that the size of the red blood cells differs significantly from the normal range, further tests should be carried out in order to uncover the underlying cause. It is important to note that an elevated or decreased MCV value is not indicative of any condition itself, but rather serves as an indicator that further tests need to be done in order to uncover any illness or other underlying factor.
What Does An MCV Test Screen For?
Generally speaking, there are two types of anemias; microcytic anemia and macrocytic anemia. During the course of a blood test, the doctor will be on the lookout for these anemias.
Someone with a microcytic anemia will have red blood cells that are too small. This type of anemia is usually caused by iron or vitamin B12 deficiencies and can lead to other health conditions like an enlarged spleen and/or liver.
A patient with macrocytic anemia will have larger than normal red blood cells. This form of anemia is usually caused by vitamin B12 or folate deficiencies, which can lead to other health problems.
In addition to helping doctors detect anemia, an MCV test can also be used to diagnose other types of blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia and myelofibrosis.
Conclusion
To sum up, an MCV test can be very useful in detecting anemia in a patient. It measures the size of the red blood cells in order to determine whether they are within normal limits. This can help doctors detect anemia and diagnose other types of blood disorders. It is essential to ensure that the results of an MCV test are in the correct range in order to prevent any health complications.