Mean Platelet Volume
The average size of your platelets.
| Typical reference range | 7.5–12.5 fL |
Ranges vary by laboratory, method, age and sex: always use the range printed on your own report. Why labs differ.
What it measures
MPV measures average platelet volume. Young platelets freshly released from the marrow tend to be larger.
Why it matters
MPV helps interpret abnormal platelet counts: a low count with high MPV suggests platelets are being destroyed and replaced quickly, while a low count with low MPV suggests reduced production.
What a high result can mean
High MPV occurs with immune thrombocytopenia, recovery from marrow suppression, inherited giant-platelet disorders and is associated with cardiovascular risk and diabetes.
What a low result can mean
Low MPV can accompany marrow underproduction, aplastic anemia or chemotherapy effects.
What affects the result
MPV increases with sample storage time in EDTA tubes and varies by analyzer, so compare results from the same lab.
Units and conversion
Usually reported in fL.
- From um3: multiply by 1 to get fL
Also called on lab reports
MPV
Related tests: Platelets
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.