Mean corpuscular volume

(Redirected from MCV)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

WikiDoc Resources for Mean corpuscular volume

Articles

Most recent articles on Mean corpuscular volume

Most cited articles on Mean corpuscular volume

Review articles on Mean corpuscular volume

Articles on Mean corpuscular volume in N Eng J Med, Lancet, BMJ

Media

Powerpoint slides on Mean corpuscular volume

Images of Mean corpuscular volume

Photos of Mean corpuscular volume

Podcasts & MP3s on Mean corpuscular volume

Videos on Mean corpuscular volume

Evidence Based Medicine

Cochrane Collaboration on Mean corpuscular volume

Bandolier on Mean corpuscular volume

TRIP on Mean corpuscular volume

Clinical Trials

Ongoing Trials on Mean corpuscular volume at Clinical Trials.gov

Trial results on Mean corpuscular volume

Clinical Trials on Mean corpuscular volume at Google

Guidelines / Policies / Govt

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse on Mean corpuscular volume

NICE Guidance on Mean corpuscular volume

NHS PRODIGY Guidance

FDA on Mean corpuscular volume

CDC on Mean corpuscular volume

Books

Books on Mean corpuscular volume

News

Mean corpuscular volume in the news

Be alerted to news on Mean corpuscular volume

News trends on Mean corpuscular volume

Commentary

Blogs on Mean corpuscular volume

Definitions

Definitions of Mean corpuscular volume

Patient Resources / Community

Patient resources on Mean corpuscular volume

Discussion groups on Mean corpuscular volume

Patient Handouts on Mean corpuscular volume

Directions to Hospitals Treating Mean corpuscular volume

Risk calculators and risk factors for Mean corpuscular volume

Healthcare Provider Resources

Symptoms of Mean corpuscular volume

Causes & Risk Factors for Mean corpuscular volume

Diagnostic studies for Mean corpuscular volume

Treatment of Mean corpuscular volume

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

CME Programs on Mean corpuscular volume

International

Mean corpuscular volume en Espanol

Mean corpuscular volume en Francais

Business

Mean corpuscular volume in the Marketplace

Patents on Mean corpuscular volume

Experimental / Informatics

List of terms related to Mean corpuscular volume

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]


The mean corpuscular volume, or MCV, is a measure of the average red blood cell volume (i.e. size) 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 (in litres) by dividing the hematocrit by the red blood cell count (number of red blood cells per litre). 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 presence of hemolytic anaemia, presence of reticulocytes can increase MCV. 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). Vitamin B12 deficiency has also been associated with macrocytic anemia (high MCV numbers). The most common causes of microcytic anemia are iron deficiency (due to inadequate dietary intake, gastrointestinal blood loss, or menstrual blood loss), thalassemia, or chronic disease. A low MCV number in a patient with a positive stool guaiac test (bloody stool) is highly suggestive of GI cancer. In iron deficiency anemia (microcytic anemia), 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.

References

  1. 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.

See also


Template:WikiDoc Sources