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Mean Corpuscular Volume

Also referred as

Mean cell volume

For men & women

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The Mean Corpuscular Volume test measures the average size of red blood cells (RBCs) in the blood. This test is a key indicator of anemia, several nutritional deficiencies, and other conditions related to RBC size variation. It is often done as part of a complete blood count test that also measures other types of blood cells.

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Understanding Mean Corpuscular Volume

Red blood cells help carry oxygen throughout the body, and their size can be an important indicator of how well they can transport oxygen. The Mean Corpuscular Volume or MCV blood test is helpful because having a large number of atypically large or small RBCs can indicate potential health concerns. A high MCV may indicate macrocytosis as seen in vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency etc, hypothyroidism, liver disease, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, and reticulocytosis, whereas a low MCV may indicate microcytosis as seen in iron-deficiency anemia or thalassemia.

No special preparation is required before taking an MCV test; eat or drink as per your daily routine. Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between different labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help them determine your medical condition and formulate your overall treatment plan.

What does Mean Corpuscular Volume measure?

The Mean Corpuscular Volume test measures the average size of your red blood cells, which carry oxygen through your body. This test tells whether your RBCs are of average size and volume or whether they are bigger or smaller.

FAQs related to Mean Corpuscular Volume

Which diseases can the Mean Corpuscular Volume test detect?

The Mean Corpuscular Volume test can help identify different types of anemia and other health conditions related to the variation in RBC size.

Do I need to fast before taking the Mean Corpuscular Volume test?

No fasting is required for this test. You can schedule it at your convenience without avoiding food or water beforehand.

How is the Mean Corpuscular Volume test performed?

A phlebotomist (a trained professional to perform blood draws) will clean your skin using an antiseptic alcohol cotton swab or wipe and take blood samples from your vein using a needle. The blood sample will be stored safely and transported to the laboratory for analysis.

Is there any risk associated with the Mean Corpuscular Volume test?

There is no risk associated with this test. However, as the needle is used to prick and take out your blood, one may experience bleeding, swelling, or blood collection under the skin, which is usually self-limiting.

What does it mean if your MCV is low?

A low MCV level means that the RBCs are smaller than normal in size and may indicate microcytic anemia. This condition may be caused by iron deficiency or thalassemia.

What does it mean if your MCV is high?

High mean corpuscular volume (MCV), also known as macrocytosis, is associated with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, folate deficiency anemia, hypothyroidism, liver disease, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, and other rare inherited conditions such as orotic aciduria, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, and reticulocytosis.

Content created by

Dr. Swati Gupta (Anand)

MD Lab Medicine, MBBS

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Last Updated

5th Nov 2025