MCV stands for mean corpuscular volume The MCV field test of blood determines the average value of red blood cells.
Red blood cells transport air to all the cells in your body from the not feeling. Your cells need oxygen to grow, reproduce, and stay awake. If your red blood cells are very small or very large, this is a blood condition such as anemia and may not be available from certain vitamins or other diseases.
Other name: CBC with differentiation.
What is it used for?
The MCV blood test is often considered part of a complete blood picture (CBC).The CBC is a routine blood test that determines almost every part of the blood, including red blood cells. It is used to test joint health.
MCV testing can be used in conjunction with other studies to diagnose or control certain blood disorders, including anemia. There are many types of anemia; MCV testing can help determine the type of anemia you have.
Why do I need an MCV blood test?
Your care provider can order an absolute blood count that includes MCV testing as part of your regular controls. Testing can also be performed if you have a chronic (long-term) condition that may lead to anemia or if you have signs of anemia, such as
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness or fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- arithm (heartbeat speed or rhythm problems).
What happens during the MCV blood test?
During the test, the doctor with a small needle will take blood from a vein in your arm. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected in a test tube or vial. You will feel some pressure as the needle goes in and out. This usually takes less than 5 minutes.
Do I need to prepare anything for the test?
No special substances are needed for the MCV blood test. If your doctor orders more testing of your blood sample, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for a few hours for the test. Your physician will tell you if there are any special instructions you should follow.
Are there any risks associated with the study?
There are no sufficient risks associated with blood tests. You may have slight pain or bruising in the area where the needle is inserted, but most signs will disappear quickly.
What do the results mean?
The MCV test alone is not diagnostic. The physician uses the MCV results, other test results, and the disease context to make a diagnosis.
If the total red blood cells are smaller than normal, this can be a symptom.
- Certain forms of anemia, including anemia due to iron deficiency, the best known of which is
- thalassemia, an abnormal genetic disorder.
If the total shows a higher than normal number of red blood cells, this can be a symptom of
- Harmful anemia.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Diseases that affect your body’s ability to use vitamin B12, such as certain autoimmune diseases, celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease.
It is also very possible to develop anemia with normal MCV. This can occur when anemia is caused by the following criteria
- Sudden loss of blood
- Renal failure
- Nonplasmatic anemia (rare).
If MCV values are not in the normal spectrum, this does not necessarily mean that there is a medical problem that needs to be treated. Diet, energy levels, medications, menstrual stage, and other circumstances can affect test results. Discuss the implications of your results with your health care provider.
Is there anything else I should know about the MCV blood test?
If your doctor believes you have anemia or another blood disorder, other MCV blood tests can be performed. These tests consist of a red blood cell count and hemoglobin measurement. These tests are called red blood cell indices.
Supplied by MedlinePlus from the State Medical Library.
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