Does not require fasting
Measurement in the laboratory
Includes 21 test results
99,00 €
Mean corpuscular volume of red blood cells (E-MCV)
MCV is tested when looking for the causes of diagnosed anemia.
MCV
- E-MCV test measures the average size of red blood cells.
- MCV is tested when looking for the causes of diagnosed anemia.
- Anemia is classified as microcytic, macrocytic, or normocytic.
- In normocytic anemias, the volume of red blood cells is normal, but the hemoglobin level is low.
Table of contents
MCV is tested when looking for the causes of diagnosed anemia.
What is mean corpuscular volume of red cells (E-MCV)?
The mean corpuscular volume of red blood cells known as MCV indicates the average size of the red blood cells.
MCV is tested for example when looking for the causes of diagnosed anemia. Anemia is classified as microcytic if the MCV is below reference values, macrocytic if the MCV is above reference values, and normocytic if the MCV falls within the reference values.
Reference values for E-MCV
Reference value for MCV in both adult men and women is 82–98 fL.
MCV indicates the volume, or size, of the red blood cells. The unit of femtolitre (fL) corresponds to 0.000000000000001 litres. In other words, one red blood cell is extremely small.
Reference levels may vary depending on the laboratory and the test analysis method. Puhti samples are taken and analysed at the laboratories of Mehiläinen.
Low E-MCV value
Low E-MCV value is a sign of microcytic anemia.
Microcytic anemia
Microcytic anemias include:
- iron deficiency anemia
- haemoglobinopathies (such as sickle cell anemia)
- sideroblastic anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is by far the most common type of anemia and can be caused, for example, by prolonged blood loss due to heavy menstruation or intestinal bleeding. It may also be caused by giving birth, donating blood, or poor absorption of iron. Iron deficiency can also occur when a person does not get enough iron in their diet.
Normal E-MCV value in conjunction with anemia
In normocytic anemias, the volume of red blood cells is normal, but the hemoglobin level is low.
Normocytic anemia
In normocytic anemias, the volume of red blood cells is normal, but their number is small.
Normocytic anemias include:
- anemia due to bleeding
- anemia associated with long-term illness
- hemolytic anemia
- aplastic anemia
High E-MCV value
High E-MCV value is a sign of macrocytic anemia.
Macrocytic anemia
Macrocytic anemias include:
- Megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency
- Pernicious anemia, in which the vitamin B12 deficiency is caused by malabsorption resulting from an autoimmune disease
High MCV values can also be caused by folic acid deficiency.
If a working-age person has a normal hemoglobin level but elevated MCV, the reason is usually alcoholism. Cutting back alcohol consumption lowers the MCV value, but this takes months.
Does not require fasting
Measurement in the laboratory
Includes 23 test results
159,00 €
Does not require fasting
Sampling between 6-10 a.m.
Includes 25 test results
169,00 €
