Red blood cells are great workers. They transport molecules of oxygen, carbon dioxide and other vital substances throughout the human body. The MCV value in a blood test is of great importance. Red blood cells normalize the pH level, remove antibodies, toxins, and promote the dissolution of clots.
Pathological changes in their number, shape or size mean that a disease is developing in the body or there is a congenital pathology.
The morphological indicators of these cells are designated by certain values, for example, this is the erythrocyte index.
What is MCV
This is the average volume of red blood cells. The shape of the cell and its size are important parameters. They are assessed in the process of a clinical general analysis of blood composition. The unit of measurement is femtoliter (fl), as well as micrometers cubed (µm3).
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The MCV indicator makes it possible to obtain detailed information regarding parameters, in particular the diameter, of red cells.
The index is calculated by dividing the volume of red blood cells contained in one cubic millimeter of blood by the number of cells.
Only identical cells are counted. If at the time of calculation there are many units of different sizes and configurations, the MCV value will be incorrect.
What standards exist?
The MCV index is a factor that changes over the years; it is different for boys and girls. The maximum norm in children is noted in the initial days of life (from 90 to 140 fl).
By the end of the baby’s first year of development, the values range from 71 to 84 fl. At 5-10 years old, this index in a child fluctuates between 75-87 fl.
In adolescence (15-18 years), the norm in women rises: 78-98 µm3. In the period from adulthood to 45 years, the average volume of their red cells reaches 81-100 µm3.
In adolescence and youth, the norm for men is 79-95 µm3. From 18 years old - 80-99 µm3.
In an adult in mature years (45-65 years), regardless of gender, the values are 81-101 µm3.
Why do you need to know these numbers?
If the transcript of the analysis shows a number that does not differ from the norm, this result is called normocytic.
When the index turns out to be less than 80 µm3, i.e. the mcv indicator is reduced, they say that the patient has been diagnosed.
If an elevated level is detected (more than 100), we are talking about macrocytosis.
Age usually affects the indicator. The latter becomes smaller and larger, varies between girls and boys, and evens out for the older generation. In older people, if they are healthy, the values are the same regardless of gender.
A change in the normal volume of red blood cells indicates the presence of some kind of pathology.
Indications for the study
One of the reasons for conducting a test to determine the level of red blood cells is a suspicion of disease. For example, the doctor assumes that the patient has macrocytic anemia or other disorders of the functional characteristics of red blood cells.
Such an examination is necessary to monitor the progress of treatment; all participants in the medical examination and those preparing for surgery are subject to it.
The following analysis should be carried out if:
- hormonal imbalances;
- metabolic disorder;
- overweight;
- diabetes;
- reduced immunity.
Preparing for analysis
When going for research, you need to properly prepare for submitting the material. Before visiting the laboratory, doctors recommend:
- refuse radio and x-ray exposure;
- exclude physiotherapeutic procedures;
- refrain from excessive mental and physical stress;
- do not give intravenous or intramuscular injections;
You need to donate blood in the morning on an empty stomach, in a good mood, without worries, and having slept well.
If these simple rules are not followed, the result may be distorted, leading to an erroneous diagnosis.
When the doctor orders a repeat sample collection, you must avoid eating for at least 240 minutes. It is better to repeat the manipulation at the same time, under similar conditions, in the same medical institution.
Taking biomaterial
Capillary blood for general examination was previously taken from the middle finger. Since analyzes of material taken from a vein are more accurate and informative, the old method has begun to be abandoned.
- The nurse tightens the rubber band above the person's elbow before inserting the needle into the vessel. To make the vein more visible and filled with blood, the patient clenches and relaxes his fist several times. The nurse thoroughly disinfects the puncture site with alcohol.
- After this, a sterile needle is inserted into the vein. Flowing through it, the dark red liquid fills a clean test tube or disposable syringe. For high-quality analysis you need at least 5 ml.
- When the required volume is collected, the tourniquet is loosened, an alcohol swab is applied to the injection site, and the needle is carefully removed.
To avoid bruising under the skin, the tampon must be pressed against your hand for at least 5 minutes. If the patient has poor blood clotting, this should be done for 7-10 minutes until a plug forms. It is necessary to wait a sufficient amount of time so that an extensive bruise does not form at the place where the biomaterial was taken.
If the laboratory assistant is experienced, all manipulations take a few minutes and cause very little pain. The nurse's job ends here. Then the baton passes to laboratory assistants and doctors.
Laboratory research
Fresh biomaterial is placed into the device by a laboratory assistant. The analyzer independently counts all types of elements and the total number of red blood cells in the test liquid.
If the device shows significant deviations from the established boundaries and the presence of a large number of abnormal cells, the material is checked again. A laboratory employee additionally examines the liquid under study under a microscope, clarifying and supplementing the information received.
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Not every modern clinical laboratory is equipped with automatic analyzers. Therefore, cell counting is sometimes performed the old-fashioned way, that is, visually, using a microscope. Depending on the workload of employees and the method of counting, the analysis is faster or slower.
The laboratory technicians indicate the identified value on the form, and after 1-7 days the person receives it in their hands. Decoding and clarifying the diagnosis is the prerogative of doctors.
The general analysis table shows various numbers. There is the number of red blood cells, their characteristics, reticulocytes are described - not fully formed bodies. The amount of hemoglobin protein in a single red blood cell is indicated. The normal value is written next to any number to make comparison easier.
Decoding the result
If the average volume of red blood cells is normal, the development of normocytic anemia is assumed; it occurs:
- hemolytic;
- aplastic;
- hemorrhagic;
- hepatic;
- endocrine.
High rate
When red cells are abundant, this indicates that the patient is developing macrocytic anemia.
The occurrence of this problem can be due to various reasons:
- lack of microelements (B12);
- lack of folic acid;
- megaloblastic anemia;
- presence of oncological education;
- hypothyroidism;
- malabsorption in the intestine;
- liver problems;
- myxedema;
- problems with the pancreas;
- diseased bone marrow with high leukocytosis;
- drug poisoning;
- alcohol toxicosis.
It has been noticed that the volume of red blood cells is slightly larger than usual in those who smoke and are treated with hormones.
In chronic drinkers, doctors also determine macrocytosis, while hemoglobin is within normal limits. This nuance allows for early diagnosis of alcoholism. But after 100 days of abstaining from alcohol, MCV returns to normal.
Frequent bleeding leads to a high index.
In some cases, macrocytosis occurs after long-term use of antidepressants. However, a clear connection with this fact has not been established.
The first signs of high erythrocytosis are blush on the face, redness of the skin on the body, headaches, and dizziness.
Low values
When the mcv value is low, this indicates the presence of microcytic anemia, which is a consequence of:
- chronic diseases and infections;
- iron deficiency;
- development of malignant tumors;
- lead poisoning;
- low hemoglobin levels;
- hereditary anemia;
- taking certain medications.
One of the reasons for the low index is a failure of water and electrolyte balance. This phenomenon is called hypertensive dehydration. During its development, the fluid space of the cells contracts due to a lack of water in the tissues. Dehydration occurs, caused by insufficient moisture saturation and lack of hypotonic fluid in the structures of the body.
MCV less than normal is recorded with hypochromic anemia, microcytosis, or decreased hemoglobin synthesis. The latter directly affects the shape and fullness of red cells.
If there is less hemoglobin present than necessary, the red blood cells show less volume. Its synthesis also decreases when a person is sick with a genetic blood disease - thalassemia.
If someone experiences weakness, fatigue, tinnitus, absent-mindedness, severe pallor of the skin and memory impairment, he should consult a doctor. The number of red blood cells or their volume may have decreased.
Cell Variability
It is not just an increase or decrease in MCV that can be found in a person. In some cases, anisocytosis is diagnosed.
With this pathology, a microscope reveals many cells of different sizes, causing the blood to become too thick. The MCV indicator is closely related to others, such as , which characterizes the variability of cells in size.
Proper blood testing is very important. Making an erroneous diagnosis can lead to the most negative consequences. When in doubt, it is better to redo the analysis than to be treated incorrectly.
A detailed blood test allows you to evaluate not only quantitative, but also qualitative indicators of its components, which makes it possible for the doctor to get the most complete picture of the state of the body. When referring a patient for this examination, the specialist, relying on the presenting symptoms, can select several parameters from all available for study, although their total number reaches at least 20.
But whatever his choice, the MCV value will always be among the indicators noted for research. What is MCV in a blood test and why is its study an integral part of this laboratory diagnosis? Translated from English, the abbreviation stands for Mean Cell Volume, which in translation means “average volume of an erythrocyte.”
What does MCV show in a complete blood count?
Red blood cells, called erythrocytes, normally vary in number and shape. But at the same time, in a healthy body, most of them should be correct, accepted as a normal shape. This is directly related to the functional ability of red blood cells, that is, a healthy cell - a normocyte - fully participates in the transfer of oxygen to the tissue structures of the body. And after destruction, it will be replaced by an equally efficient red blood cell.
If the shape of the red blood cell is changed, and it is an ovalocyte, macrocyte, microcyte or schistocyte (fragmented cascade cell), certain difficulties with oxygen transport may be observed. This heterogeneity of red blood cells can cause other adverse effects. Therefore, in many situations, when making a diagnosis, data from not only a general blood test is used, but also a detailed one - allowing one to evaluate in detail the characteristics of each group of cells - red blood cells, leukocytes, platelets and their varieties.
MCV values are calculated by dividing the total blood cell volume by the total red blood cell count. The formation of cells of altered shape is called heterogeneity, and this condition leads to deviations from the generally accepted norm. If MCV in a blood test is low, these cells are called macrocytes, and if red blood cells are characterized by a decrease in volume, then they are called microcytes.
Normal red blood cell and types of pathologically altered cells
This indicator can be calculated in two quantities - cubic micrometers (µm 3) and femtoliters (fl). When carrying out diagnostics in laboratory conditions, it is automatically measured by the analyzer. In a blood test, in addition to MCV - the average volume of red blood cells, several other values characterizing these blood cells are measured. This:
- RBC – information about the number of red blood cells;
- MCH (color indicator) - makes it possible to determine the average amount of hemoglobin contained in each individual red blood cell;
- MCHC - shows the average amount of hemoglobin contained in all red blood cells of the human body;
- RDW-CV – provides information on the width of the red blood cell distribution;
- Hematocrit (HCT or Ht) is the percentage ratio of the volume of red blood cells to the rest of the blood cells.
In some cases, if there are symptoms of joint damage or aggravated rheumatoid heredity, it is recommended to take a blood test for anti-MCV. This study is not particularly relevant to the study of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of red blood cells. It is carried out to detect antibodies to citrullinated vimentin, a protein used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. An increase in anti-MCV levels in the blood is observed 10–15 years before the appearance of obvious symptoms of the disease.
Therefore, if the interpretation of the received blood test materials indicates that the anti-MCV level is elevated, the rheumatologist must definitely take this into account. First of all, the patient must be explained the importance of regular blood donation for a general and detailed analysis of its components, and this must include the anti-MCV indicator
Studying the latter value alone is not enough to understand the overall picture of the patient’s condition, and a comprehensive diagnosis will allow one to recognize the onset of the disease in time and take appropriate measures.
Normal indicators
Acceptable limits of values, defined as the MCV norm in a blood test, change throughout a person’s life. In addition, several factors may affect the examination materials, for example, a large breakfast, laboratory inaccuracies, drinking drinks containing alcohol, taking antidepressants or hormonal medications.
In children under one year of age, 71–112 fl are considered normal values, with newborns having the highest values for childhood. However, as a child grows and develops, the MCV level gradually decreases to levels accepted as normal in an adult. Then, as the body matures, the standard values increase again. It is noted that the MCV rate in women is slightly higher than in men.
MCV standards - children and adolescents
Why might MCV parameters increase?
In many cases, the deviation of this indicator from acceptable limits means the presence and development of a pathological process, and timely identification of the problem gives a chance for a quick and effective cure. The risk group includes patients who have a hereditary predisposition to blood diseases and people who lead an inactive lifestyle and do not adhere to proper nutrition.
There are other reasons that lead to an increase in the average volume of red blood cells. These include:
- intoxication with medications - antibiotics, sulfonamides, etc.;
- anemia that develops as a result of significant blood loss and death of red blood cells;
- food poisoning, infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver pathologies;
- autoimmune diseases characterized by changes in cellular development;
- decreased quality of functioning of the thyroid gland due to iodine and iron deficiency;
- hormonal imbalance caused by taking contraceptives made on the basis of hormones;
- endocrine disease - myxedema and various bone marrow pathologies;
- activities in hazardous industries, leading to constant contact with poisons and toxins.
An increase in MCV levels may be associated with a lack of vitamin B 12 due to a lack of cobalt-containing substances in the body. In this case, the proportion of red blood cells decreases, but their size increases significantly.
A slight increase in values may be observed in heavy smokers. Alcohol abuse, as a rule, always provokes the occurrence of macrocytosis, but hemoglobin levels remain unchanged and do not leave the normal range.
This feature in laboratory tests always makes it possible to diagnose alcoholism. Macrocytosis caused by a similar factor is a reversible process, and after approximately 2 months of abstaining from consuming alcohol-containing products, the MCV indicator returns to normal.
Reference! Some experts believe that taking antidepressants can increase the average volume of red blood cells, but so far this assumption has no conclusive evidence.
An increase in MCV is usually characterized by certain symptoms, such as general pallor, rapid heartbeat, which can be detected even at rest. Patients also voice complaints of abdominal pain of unknown etiology, and they experience slight jaundice of the skin, especially the nasolabial triangle. Such signs are a reason to visit a doctor and get a blood test.
Normal MCV values in adults
Reasons for the decrease in level
Factors leading to a decrease in the average volume of red blood cells include taking medications, such as antimicrobial, sedatives, antiviral and others. At the same time, the tissue structures of internal organs are subject to a deficiency of substances necessary for life. If a blood test shows that the MCV level is low, this means that a certain number of pathological conditions may be developing.
A drop in the average erythrocyte volume below normal is observed in microcytic and hypochromic anemias caused by impaired hemoglobin formation. And as you know, hemoglobin has a direct effect on the size and appearance of red blood cells, and if the content of this protein in the blood is reduced, then the cells will have a smaller volume. Also, the pathology of hemoglobin synthesis is characteristic of thalassemia, a genetic blood disease.
Another important reason for the decrease in MCV indicators can be called a violation of the water-electrolytic balance, in which the lack of fluid causes a decrease in all cellular spaces containing it. In this case, we are talking about hypertonic dehydration or dehydration of the body, due to the loss of hypotonic fluid and insufficient water intake. In addition to the above factors, a decrease in the average volume of red blood cells, intoxication of the body with lead ions and the development of malignant oncological processes can lead to this condition.
It is also caused by a hereditary disease such as Porphyria, characterized by pathological synthesis of hemoglobin. With low MCV values, patients complain of weakness, fatigue, and excessive fatigue. In this case, there is increased irritability, absent-mindedness, impaired memory and concentration. All of these manifestations taken together, or some of them, are a compelling argument for visiting a doctor and getting a blood test.
Given that MCV and its normal values vary depending on a person's age, blood test results should only be interpreted by a qualified professional. An increase or decrease in values in most cases indicates pathological changes in the activity of organs or vital systems. Therefore, to establish a final diagnosis, additional diagnostic methods will be required and possibly repeating the blood test.
An indicator such as MCV in a blood test was not always available to the practicing physician. Its study became possible with the widespread introduction of hardware testing methods, and it is automatically issued when a certain amount of blood is loaded into a biochemical analyzer.
Previously, throughout almost the entire 20th century, the MCV indicator was not taken into account in blood tests, since such methods did not exist. It was only possible to estimate the size of red blood cells under a microscope, which was labor-intensive and subjective. Of course, when deciphering the blood test, doctors necessarily took into account the size of the blood cells, but it was impossible to estimate this indicator - the average volume of red blood cells - for each blood cell.
MCV in blood test - what is it?
MCV in a blood test, or mean red blood cell volume, is an average that more or less likely reflects the volume of a red blood cell. It does not have high information content and cannot accurately indicate what pathological processes are occurring in the body. Translated from English, MCV in a blood test, or Mean Cell Volume, means the average volume of a red blood cell.
This indicator belongs to the so-called erythrocyte indices; these indices allow you to determine the main characteristics of red blood cells. These indices also include such well-known studies as the determination of the average hemoglobin content in a cell, which has now replaced the routine determination of the color index.
Of course, if we take each individual blood transport cell, we will see that its volume is within the range quite close to this value, since the average volume of red blood cells is the median value. There are necessary conditions under which the results of this analysis can be accepted as true, namely: with normal, mature red cells with approximately the same volume.
In the event that a general blood test is represented by red blood cells of different shapes or sizes, that is, in the presence of a, then an indicator such as an mcv analysis will have very low value, since the average volume of red blood cells cannot be calculated reliably. This analysis in laboratory practice can be used for differential diagnosis and will help identify the causes of deviations.
It should be said that cellular red indices can only speak about red blood: the iron content in the patient’s body and the presence or absence of hypoxia of organs and tissues. The average volume of erythrocytes - MCV, does not tell us anything about leukocytes, blood coagulation, platelets, and it is not even possible to evaluate some simple indicators, for example, using this index.
Reference or normal values
Normally, in men and women, on average, it is 80 fl, or femtoliters. This is a very small value that is never used in our everyday practice. For comparison, we can indicate that this volume is the same number of times smaller than a drop of water, how many times a drop of water is smaller than a full tank in the form of a cube with a side of 5 meters, a volume of 125 cubic meters, the water in which weighs 125 tons.
If we talk about age-related changes, then the largest cell sizes, and, consequently, their volume, exist in newborns and in children in the first month of life. At this time, red blood cells are finally freed from fetal hemoglobin and switch to new hemoglobin.
Normal adult hemoglobin works more efficiently during air gas exchange in the lungs, and a red blood cell with a smaller volume is able to perform the same full function. Also in old age, and even starting from the age of 45, our oxygen carriers have a large volume. Therefore, it is possible to construct a certain curve, where the norm of the average volume of red blood cells in adults is slightly lower than at extreme age limits.
Normal values for children are shown in the following table:
Then the decline begins to level out, and children from 10 to 12 years old have general indices from 76 to 90 fl. We have already mentioned the normal level of average red blood cell volume in adults, and detailed information can be found in any laboratory reference book. It is only worth mentioning that the level of hormones and sexual dimorphism makes a small difference, but not more than 1% of the existing values.
In adulthood and old age, the MCV index in a blood test rises again. This indicates a compensatory adaptation of red blood to the existing processes of atherosclerosis, increasing hypoxia, the appearance of chronic nonspecific lung diseases and a general decrease in the respiratory surface of the alveoli. The average value for those 65 years and older is from 82 to 102 fl.
Some reasons for lower and higher values
Reduced values
Let's consider under what conditions the MCV norm can be violated, and what are the possible causes of deviations, what can they tell the doctor and laboratory assistant about the state of human health?
First of all, you need to understand that low values, at which the indicator is below 80 fL, can be clearly interpreted as a disease, since there is not enough hemoglobin in the red blood cell. In the same case, if the volume increases, this does not always indicate a disease; it may be, as in the case of the age norm, a compensatory reaction to changed living conditions.
The main reasons for the decrease in values are:
- iron deficiency anemia, in which there is a lack of iron in the body;
- secondary chronic diseases leading to anemia: pathology of both red bone marrow and the presence of chronic blood loss, for example, with dysfunctional uterine bleeding;
- hereditary blood diseases - thalassemia, hemoglobinopathies;
- hyperthyroidism.
It is on the basis of this index that a blood test suggests the classification of anemia into normocytic, macrocytic and microcytic. Here we are talking about hypochromia of erythrocytes. The laboratory doctor no longer has to tediously examine a smear under a microscope and visually compare the cell size with standard values. When the volume of red blood cells decreases, microcytosis occurs, which is recorded by the device.
Increased values
An increase in MCV, in which red cells have a volume of more than 100 fl in adults, and more than 105 fl in the elderly, occurs for the following reasons:
- decreased thyroid function, hypothyroidism or myxedema;
- chronic diseases of the liver and gastrointestinal tract, leading to the development of folate deficiency anemia;
- aplastic anemia and similar bone marrow damage, for example in cancer patients, as well as in patients on immunosuppressive therapy;
- B-12 deficiency anemia leading to megaloblasts - increased blood cell size;
- various types of autoimmune anemia.
Finally, a long history of smoking and drinking alcohol also leads to endogenous intoxication and vitamin deficiency, which can manifest itself as macrocytosis, that is, an increase in the size and average volume of red blood cells. In this case, there may also be changes in the level of red blood cells downward, or anemia may develop.
Do not think that anemia is manifested only by a decrease in cell volume. Anemia is an insidious group of diseases of different etiologies and different mechanisms of origin, but they have one thing in common: in any case, they are manifested by chronic hypoxia of organs and tissues.
In conclusion, it should be noted that in case of acute anemia, determining the above-described indices does not make sense, due to the lack of information content. After all, during acute bleeding, neither the volume nor the shape of the red blood cell will change. The study of this indicator allows us to identify only chronic diseases in which the production of healthy red blood cells is somehow impaired, and there may be no symptoms.
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Red blood cells are blood cells that are responsible for transporting oxygen to all tissues of the body and removing carbon dioxide. Blood cells do not live long, only 3 months. After which they are destroyed and excreted by the liver. New cells come to replace them and repeat the cycle. After taking a blood test, many patients are interested: the average volume of red blood cells is increased - what does this mean.
What is MCV
MCV is the Latin designation for red blood cell index. That is, this is an indicator that gives a complete description of red blood cells in the human circulatory system. The value is defined as microns cubed (abbreviated μm²) or femtoliters (abbreviated fl). The abbreviation got its name from automatic blood analyzers that can accurately calculate the population of blood cells without outside help.
Previously, the presence and number of red blood cells were determined visually through a microscope, so the analysis had a number of errors. This has complicated the treatment of hematological diseases due to the lack of accurate information about the state of the blood. Now, thanks to modern technologies, doctors can more accurately diagnose and prescribe treatment. For example, the average level of red blood cells in the blood makes it possible to diagnose different types of anemia.
The mean corpuscular volume of red blood cells (MCV) is included in the overall test, which requires capillary blood to be drawn from the patient's finger. The indicator does not depend on the gender of the patient, but may increase with age. This is a physiological norm and does not require treatment.
If the MCV indicator in a blood test is elevated, this may indicate a dysfunction of blood production, liver pathologies, decreased thyroid function, or a lack of vitamin B12 or folic acid.
How often do you get your blood tested?
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Only as prescribed by the attending physician 30%, 949 votes
Once a year and I think that’s enough 18%, 554 vote
At least twice a year 15%, 460 votes
More than twice a year but less than six times 11%, 344 vote
I take care of my health and donate once a month 6%, 197 votes
I'm afraid of this procedure and try not to pass 4%, 135 votes
21.10.2019
What is the norm of the indicator
The average volume of red blood cells is strongly deviated from the norm only in infants, but closer to 1-2 years the indicator stabilizes and increases evenly with age. The normal number of blood cells for a mature human body does not go beyond 80-100 fl.
It should be remembered that a deviation from the norm in the average number of red blood cells in the blood does not always indicate a disease. An unhealthy lifestyle and bad habits, as well as taking certain medications, can affect the MCV. To avoid misunderstandings, you should discuss the use of other medications and the presence of bad habits with your doctor.
What to do if rejected
An increased average volume of red blood cells in the blood of an adult indicates that it will be difficult for a large cell to move through a blood vessel and deliver oxygen in a timely manner. Therefore, tissue hypoxia will begin to develop. To correct the situation, you need to:
- avoid stress, get more rest;
- give up alcohol, smoking and other bad habits;
- eat more foods containing folic acid and vitamin B12 or take a course of vitamins;
- be diagnosed by a doctor for the presence of other diseases and pathologies.
If the deviation in values is not a manifestation of diseases of other organs, then the size of red cells in the blood should return to normal in 2-3 months after applying the above measures.
A general blood test can include up to 20 indicators. During the analysis, not only quantitative but also qualitative parameters are established. Thus, MCV in a blood test (patients often do not know what it is) reflects the average volume of red blood cells in the blood.
What does MCV mean in a blood test?
To understand what the average volume of red blood cells means, you need to know what kind of cells they are and what they look like. These red blood discs are shaped like a lens concave on both sides. In this way, the maximum absorption capacity of the cells that transport oxygen to the tissues is achieved. A change in shape (ovalocyte, macrocyte) disrupts oxygen transport.
To determine the quality of the cells, an MCV test is performed. This abbreviation from English Mean Cell Volume is the average volume of red blood cells in the blood. Using this indicator, the doctor receives information about how much blood volume one red blood cell occupies. It is calculated by dividing the total number of all cells by the total number of red blood cells.
MCV in blood test is normal
The average volume of erythrocytes MCV, the norm in the analysis results is expressed in femtoliters (fl or fl). Less commonly, values are indicated in cubic micrometers (µm3). As studies of patients of different age groups show, the values of this parameter change with age. Taking into account this feature, the average volume of red blood cells, the norm of values is established for each age. In addition, the following factors may have some influence on MCV:
- eating before the study;
- consumption of alcoholic beverages;
- reception .
In order to correctly interpret the analysis result and compare the value to the norm, only a specialist can evaluate the MCV. Children with increasing height and body weight experience a decrease in average red blood cell volume as they grow older. In addition to physiological changes in the indicator, there are also pathological ones associated with the development of the disease.
MCV blood test - interpretation, normal in children
In the first days after birth, the average volume of red blood cells in infants, MCV, is greater than in adults. As the baby develops and grows, the rate gradually decreases. A significant difference is noted closer to the child’s year of life. Only by the age of 16–18 is the indicator established at a level characteristic of healthy adults. The table shows how the average volume of red blood cells changes in children, the norm of this indicator.
MCV blood test - interpretation, normal in men
Having figured out how MCV changes in a children's blood test and what this indicator is, let's look at the norms for men. Due to the physiological characteristics of the male body, greater muscle mass, the volume of circulating blood in men prevails over that of women. This explains the slightly lower average erythrocyte volume in men, since the indicator is the ratio of erythrocyte volume to blood volume. How MCV changes with age, the norm of the indicator - all this is shown in the table.
MCV blood test - interpretation, normal in women
With the onset of puberty, ovulation occurs in a woman's body every month. Moreover, if the egg is not fertilized, then after a few days it leaves the uterus along with the endometrium and blood. Heavy bleeding that lasts longer than normal provokes a decrease in circulating blood volume. This explains the situation when MCV in women exceeds that in men. How MCV changes in a blood test, the norm for women - all this is reflected in the table.
The average volume of red blood cells is reduced - what does this mean?
When the average red blood cell volume is below normal, doctors order additional tests to determine the cause. This phenomenon can be provoked by a violation of water-electrolyte balance, hypertonic hydration of the body. With this disorder, all fluid spaces are sharply reduced due to an acute lack of fluid in the body.
A situation where the MCV value in the analysis is below the established norm may be due to the use of certain medications. Antibacterial drugs and antiviral agents can reduce blood concentration, which affects MCV values. A decrease in the indicator in some cases is associated with a decrease in the size or number of normal red blood cells in the bloodstream.
MCV in blood test is low - reasons
To determine why the average red blood cell volume is low, doctors conduct a comprehensive examination of the patient. In most cases, a decrease in MCV values is associated with the presence of pathology in the body. Hyperchromic and microcytic anemias are associated with impaired hemoglobin production. This protein has been found to affect the size of red blood cells, so a decrease in its concentration leads to the formation of smaller red blood cells. This negatively impacts MCV values. Other diseases in which the average volume of red blood cells is reduced:
- thalassemia;
- malignant bone marrow tumors;
Low MCV concentration also affects general health. Patients with this disease complain to doctors about:
- increased irritability;
- absent-mindedness;
- memory impairment;
- problems with concentration.
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