MCV

MCV, in hematology, most commonly denotes mean corpuscular volume, the average volume of circulating red blood cells. It is a key red blood cell index derived from the complete blood count and is expressed in femtoliters (fL). Normal adult MCV typically ranges from about 80 to 100 fL, with variation by age, sex, and laboratory method.

MCV is calculated as hematocrit percentage multiplied by 10 and divided by the red blood cell count (in millions per microliter); many modern hematology analyzers report MCV directly. Together with mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), MCV helps classify anemia as microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic.

A low MCV (microcytosis) suggests iron deficiency, thalassemia trait, or sideroblastic anemia, among others. A high MCV (macrocytosis) can result from vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, liver disease, alcoholism, hypothyroidism, or reticulocytosis. Normocytic anemia shows MCV within the reference range and can occur in chronic disease, acute blood loss, or early iron deficiency. Interpretation of MCV requires integration with clinical context and other CBC parameters; reference ranges vary by laboratory, so results should be interpreted using the specific assay and patient factors involved.