MCV

Average volume (size) of red blood cells. Used to classify anemias as microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic; reflects bone marrow function and key nutrient status (iron, B12, folate).

Also known as:

Mean corpuscular volumeMean cell volume.

MCV ranges

Interpret your result

"Normal" lab range for MCV is between 80 and 100:

100

According to OptimalDX, MCV should be between 82 and 89.9:

89.9

Optimal range

Optimal range for MCV appears to be between 82 and 92 fL:

110

Why this optimal range?

Preliminary range is based on functional health organizations including but not limited to those listed above.

What a low value may mean:

Common reasons for low MCV:

Low MCV indicates microcytic red blood cells, most commonly from iron deficiency.

Other causes: thalassemia, sideroblastic anemia, anemia of chronic disease, vitamin B6 or copper deficiency, lead poisoning.

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What a high value may mean:

Common reasons for high MCV:

High MCV indicates macrocytic red blood cells, most commonly from vitamin B12 deficiency (incl. pernicious anemia) or folate deficiency.

Other causes: alcohol use, liver disease, hypothyroidism, hemochromatosis, megaloblastic or myelodysplastic anemia, elevated reticulocytes.

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Possible consequences from high MCV:

For males: increased all-cause and cancer mortality
The adjusted hazard ratio for MCV ≥95.8 fL in men for all-cause and cancer mortality was 1.51 (95% CI, 1.10-2.07) for men, compared with those in the reference group (90.5 fL ≤MCV <93.0 fL in men). Elevated MCV level was related to an increased risk of liver cancer mortality in men (aHR, 3.55; 95% CI, 1.75-7.21).
For females: all-cause mortality
The adjusted hazard ratio for MCV ≥94.2 fL in women for all-cause mortality 1.25 (95% CI, 0.74-2.11) for women, compared with those in the reference group (89.2 fL ≤MCV <91.6 fL in women).

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MCV