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Mean Corpuscular Volume

MCV Mean Cell Volume
EDTA whole blood fL

About this test

Average volume of a single red blood cell. Key to classifying anaemia as microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic.

Reference Ranges

Sex Age Range Notes
All ≥ 18 yrs 80 – 100 Adult

Clinical Interpretation

Low / Decreased
Microcytic (<80 fL) — iron deficiency, thalassaemia, anaemia of chronic disease (sometimes), sideroblastic anaemia.
High / Increased
Macrocytic (>100 fL) — vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, hypothyroidism, liver disease, alcohol, haematological malignancy, drugs (methotrexate, hydroxyurea).

Related Tests

Reticulocyte Count Vitamin B12 Ferritin
Specimen
EDTA whole blood
Reporting Unit
fL
Category
🩸 Hematology

⚠ Clinical Note
Reference ranges are indicative. Always interpret results in the context of the individual patient and local laboratory reference intervals, which may vary.