MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)
Reviewed
An MCV blood test measures the average size of your red blood cells. It is often part of a complete blood count and helps diagnose or monitor blood disorders, especially types of anemia.
Preparation and collection
You don't need any special preparations for an MCV blood test. If other tests are ordered on the same sample, you may need to fast. Your provider will let you know if there are any special instructions.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- An MCV test alone cannot diagnose any disease.
- Not having a normal MCV level does not always mean you have a medical problem that needs treatment.
- Results can be affected by age, diet, activity level, medicines, menstrual period, and other conditions.
- There is a risk of slight pain or bruising at the needle site, though most symptoms go away quickly.
What to do next
Your health care provider will use the results of your MCV, other test results, and your medical history to make a diagnosis.
Evidence source
U.S. National Library of Medicine: MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)