MCV
The average size of your red blood cells.
| Typical reference range | 80–100 fL |
Ranges vary by laboratory, method, age and sex: always use the range printed on your own report. Why labs differ.
What it measures
Mean corpuscular volume measures the average volume of a red blood cell, in femtoliters. It is used to classify anemia as microcytic (small cells), normocytic or macrocytic (large cells).
Why it matters
MCV points toward the cause of anemia and can reveal nutrient deficiencies or alcohol effects before anemia develops.
What a high result can mean
Large cells (macrocytosis) occur with B12 or folate deficiency, alcohol use, liver disease, hypothyroidism, certain medications (methotrexate, hydroxyurea, some HIV drugs), high reticulocyte counts and myelodysplasia.
What a low result can mean
Small cells (microcytosis) occur with iron deficiency, thalassemia trait, anemia of chronic disease and, rarely, lead poisoning or sideroblastic anemia.
What affects the result
Combined iron and B12 deficiency can produce a normal MCV with a high RDW. Interpret with RDW, MCH, ferritin and B12.
Units and conversion
Usually reported in fL.
- From um3: multiply by 1 to get fL
Also called on lab reports
Mean Corpuscular Volume, Mean Cell Volume
Related tests: Red Blood Cells
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.