What is Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)?
Mean Corpuscular Volume is measured as part of a complete blood count (cbc) panel. Your red blood cell size is normal.
What does a high Mean Corpuscular Volume mean?
Your red blood cells are larger than normal (macrocytic). This can be caused by B12 or folate deficiency, liver disease, or hypothyroidism. Worth investigating if accompanied by low hemoglobin.
What does a low Mean Corpuscular Volume mean?
Your red blood cells are smaller than normal (microcytic). Combined with low hemoglobin, this is a classic sign of iron deficiency. It can also suggest thalassemia trait — common in South Asian populations.
If markedly low: Your red blood cells are extremely small. This strongly suggests severe iron deficiency or a genetic condition like thalassemia.
Understand your whole report, not just one number
A single value rarely tells the full story — Mean Corpuscular Volume is best read alongside the rest of your panel. Paste your values or upload your report and get a plain-English explanation of every marker, with the important results flagged.