OVERVIEW
This laboratory test is performed on a blood sample to evaluate the average size or volume of a red blood cells. MCV stands for mean corpuscular volume. Red blood cells may be Macrocytic (larger than average size), microcytic smaller than average size), or normocytic (average size).
Why is this test performed?
This test is performed:
- To find the cause of anemia
- As a part of Complete blood count
- To evaluate other blood abnormalities.
- Which drugs affect the test results?
Following drugs may affect the test results:
- Azathioprine
- Phenytoin
- Zidovudine
- What can affect my test results?
Following factors may affect your test results:
- Certain medicines
- Diet
- Menstrual cycle
- What is MCV?
Mean corpuscular volume is the measure of average volume/size of red blood cells. It is used with other laboratory tests to reach a diagnosis.
- What are the risks of this test?
Collecting blood from a vein is a very easy procedure and pose only minimum risk, including:
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Infection
- What are other uses of MCV?
Other than anemia, MCV is useful in:
- Estimating prognosis in chronic kidney disease and esophageal cancer
- To monitor the efficacy of chemotherapy
- To assess cognitive function.