What does Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) measure?

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) specifically measures the average volume of red blood cells (RBCs) in a given sample of blood. It is an important parameter in the complete blood count (CBC) that helps in evaluating the size of the red blood cells, which can provide valuable insights into various hematological conditions.

A high MCV may indicate macrocytic anemia, often caused by vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, while a low MCV can suggest microcytic anemia, commonly associated with iron deficiency. Understanding MCV helps healthcare providers to make more informed decisions regarding the underlying causes of anemias and other related disorders, guiding appropriate treatment plans and further diagnostic testing.