MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) is the average size of your red blood cells. It is one of the most useful clues to the cause of anemia.
- Normal range (adults)
- 80–100 fL
- Sample
- Blood
- Fasting
- Not usually needed
- Also called
- Mean Corpuscular Volume, M.C.V, Mean Cell Volume
MCV normal range
| Group | fLSame unit in all countries |
|---|---|
| Adults | 80–100 |
Ranges vary slightly between laboratories. The range printed on your own report is the one to go by.
Why is the MCV test done?
It is part of the Complete Blood Count. Small cells point towards iron deficiency or thalassemia; large cells point towards B12 or folate deficiency.
What does a high MCV level mean?
A high MCV (macrocytosis) means your red cells are larger than normal.
Common causes
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Folate deficiency
- Regular alcohol use
- Liver disease
- Underactive thyroid
- Some medicines, such as methotrexate
Diet and lifestyle tips
- Eat B12 foods: meat, fish, eggs, milk, yogurt; vegans need fortified foods or supplements
- Eat folate foods: spinach, lentils, chickpeas, oranges, fortified flour
- Cut down or stop alcohol
What does a low MCV level mean?
A low MCV (microcytosis) means your red cells are smaller than normal.
Common causes
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Thalassemia trait (common in South Asia and the Middle East)
- Long-term inflammation
- Lead poisoning (rare)
Diet and lifestyle tips
- Iron-rich foods: red meat, liver, fish, lentils, beans, spinach
- Vitamin C with meals
- No tea or coffee with meals
- If thalassemia trait is suspected, do not take iron unless tests show you are also iron deficient
When should you see a doctor?
Discuss an abnormal MCV with your doctor; it usually needs ferritin, B12 or folate tests (or hemoglobin electrophoresis) to find the cause.
Last updated
This page is for general education and is not a diagnosis. Normal ranges differ between laboratories, so always compare your result with the reference range printed on your own report, and discuss abnormal results with your doctor.