Labs what is mcv

Low MCV levels are causes by iron deficiency in the blood. Taking iron-rich foods can help to improve your MCV levels. Following are some other ways to boost the MCV levels —. On the other hand, high MCV values are most commonly a consequence of vitamin b deficiency. This condition can be normalized by taking vitamin b rich foods.

Providers Locations. The MCV test can be done in any of the following locations across the U. To know the MCV test cost, refer to the first section of the article. Frequently Asked Questions. Will insurance cover my testing cost? No, insurance will not be covered in the billing.

However, they will provide you a receipt for insurance reimbursement purposes. How should I book my appointment? You can choose the most suitable provider from above and make an appointment by following the instructions mentioned by them. Can I cancel my lab test order? Yes, you can cancel your lab test order anytime before your testing. A refund will be initiated after deducting the cancellation fee.

However, cancellation is at the discretion of the provider. Do the providers offer result interpretations? Yes, a few providers may provide doctor consultation who will take you through the results and provide clarification if needed. How do I receive my report? Note that each number in parentheses [1, 2, 3, etc. Mean corpuscular volume MCV measures the size of your red blood cells.

It can be used to help diagnose blood disorders, such as anemia. Keep reading to learn more about the causes of low and high MCV and how to address them. Mean corpuscular volume MCV is the average size volume of the red blood cells in your body. It is normally measured as part of a complete blood count , which measures your hemoglobin , hematocrit , and red blood cell levels [ 1 ]. Along with the red cell distribution width RDW test, MCV is used to diagnose many diseases, including anemia, thalassemia , liver disease, and iron deficiency [ 1 ].

The normal range of MCV is around 80 — 94 fl [ 1 ]. However, what your labs report as a normal range may differ slightly.

Some lab-to-lab variability can happen due to differences in equipment, techniques, and chemicals used. There are anemias in which red blood cell size is normal normocytic anemia [ 2 ]. Your doctor will interpret your results in conjunction with your medical history and other test results.

An MCV below normal means that your red blood cells are smaller than normal microcytic. Microcytosis is usually a result of the inability to form hemoglobin, which is a protein that is responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood [ 1 , 3 ].

However, a result that is slightly lower may not be of medical significance, as this test often varies from day to day and from person to person. Your doctor will interpret this result, taking into account your medical history and other tests, such as RBC, hemoglobin, and other red blood cell indices. Microcytosis patients usually do not show any symptoms, unless their anemia is severe.

Other complete blood count tests can help determine the cause of microcytosis, such as RDW and iron markers [ 4 ]. Causes shown below are commonly associated with low MCV.

These symptoms include:. During the test, a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial.

You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes. You don't need any special preparations for an MCV blood test. If your health care provider has ordered more tests on your blood sample, you may need to fast not eat or drink for several hours before the test.

Your health care provider will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow. There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly. If your MCV levels are not in the normal range, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have a medical problem needing treatment.

Diet, activity level, medicines, a women's menstrual cycle, and other considerations can affect the results. The MCV can be a helpful test even when the red blood cell count and other tests are normal.

This is especially true with kidney disease. This article explains why an MCV test is done, what to expect from the test, and how to interpret results. This type of blood test might be ordered as part of routine screening exams.

It may also be done as part of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of many medical conditions. However, there are times that a healthcare provider will want to look specifically at the MCV when evaluating symptoms or a medical condition. Some of these include:. The MCV can be measured either directly by an analyzer or calculated using a formula.

In calculating MCV, the hematocrit how much of your blood is red blood cells, as a percentage is multiplied by ten and divided by the red blood cell count. This is measured in millions of cells per cubic millimeter of blood. MCV is a number that describes the average size of red blood cells circulating in the bloodstream.

Thus, a high MCV would mean that the red blood cells are larger than average. Conversely, a low MCV would mean they are smaller than average. Measuring the average size of red blood cells is very helpful in determining which type of anemia a person has. For example:. The value of MCV is usually quite stable over time.

It changes slowly unless a person receives a blood transfusion. There are situations in which the MCV test isn't as helpful. For example, using MCV alone may result in thalassemia an inherited condition that causes red blood cells to be destroyed being misdiagnosed as iron deficiency anemia. This can happen because both have a low MCV. To avoid this, healthcare providers will also look at other things for a more accurate picture, including:. Your healthcare provider may order other tests for further clarification.

These tests might include a reticulocyte count or iron levels. It describes the average size of red blood cells in the bloodstream. MCV can help in diagnosing anemia and some other health conditions. If you have recently had a blood transfusion, have mixed anemias, or have a condition where red blood cells clot, MCV may not be accurate. For a complete picture, your healthcare provider will also look at other measurements in a CBC.

Getting blood drawn is pretty straightforward. However, there is a small risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection due to the blood draw. You do not need to limit your activity level or what you eat before having a CBC. The test can be done in most healthcare provider's offices and hospitals. It is usually covered by health insurance when there is a good reason for doing the test. Even so, it is best to check with your insurance company to confirm what they will cover.

Be sure to bring your insurance card, and if possible, previous CBC results with you to your appointment. An MCV is done on a sample of blood drawn from a vein. If you happen to be in the hospital and already have a port in a vein, it may be drawn from the port instead. A lab technician or phlebotomist will clean the area first. They will then place a tourniquet on your arm. After they find your vein, they will insert the needle into the vein.

You will feel a sharp poke as the needle is inserted into the vein. In addition, you may feel pressure as the sample is taken. When the test is done, the phlebotomist will remove the needle and hold pressure over the puncture wound until it stops bleeding.

They will then apply a bandage or gauze wrap. As long as you are feeling well, you will leave as soon as the test is done. Side effects are uncommon but may include:.