Reasons why mcv is low

For example, iron deficiency anemia is described as microcytic and hypochromic, whereas vitamin B 12 deficiency is macrocytic and normochromic. Describe the subject's red cells: are they normocytic? What is the answer? Microcytic anemia is a type of anemia in which red blood cells are smaller than usual. Iron deficiency causes microcytic anemia. A person usually develops an iron deficiency due to an underlying health condition or factors such as diet and medications.

Thalassemia is a condition where the body does not make enough normal hemoglobin. It is a genetic condition that a person inherits from their parents. Thalassemia can range from mild to severe. If a person has mild thalassemia, they may have mild anemia or not present with any signs or symptoms.

If someone has severe thalassemia, they may require regular red blood cell transfusions. If someone has a high MCV level, their red blood cells are larger than usual, and they have macrocytic anemia. Macrocytosis occurs in people with an MCV level higher than fl. Megaloblastic anemia is a type of macrocytic anemia.

Deficiencies in cobalamin vitamin B12 and folate vitamin B9 are the most common causes of megaloblastic anemia. Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur when following a vegan diet. This is because vitamin B12 naturally occurs in animal sources. A person can take vitamin B12 supplements or consume vitamin Bfortified foods to alleviate symptoms.

This is an inflammatory condition that affects the stomach, particularly the parietal cells that make intrinsic factor. If the parietal cells do not make enough intrinsic factor, vitamin B12 cannot get into the bloodstream via the distal small intestine.

Doctors treat the deficiency with vitamin B12 injections and, sometimes, iron infusions. If someone is frequently tired and feels cold all the time, they may have anemia. People experiencing symptoms of anemia should contact a doctor. If you have a normal MCV, it means that your red blood cells are normal in size. You can have a normal MCV and still be anemic if there are too few red blood cells or if other RBC indices are abnormal.

This is called normocytic anemia. Normocytic anemia occurs when the red blood cells are normal in size and hemoglobin content, but there are too few of them. This can be caused by:. If you have a high MCHC, this means that the relative hemoglobin concentration per red blood cell is high.

MCHC can be elevated in diseases such as:. If you have a low MCHC, it means that the relative hemoglobin concentration per red blood cell is low. The red blood cells will take on a lighter color when viewed under the microscope. Individuals with anemia and a corresponding low MCHC are said to be hypochromic.

Your doctor may also perform other tests to make a diagnosis. Treatment for any anemia depends on the underlying cause. For example, if your anemia is caused by iron deficiency, your doctor may advise you to take iron supplements or change your diet to include more foods that are rich in iron.

The test is usually part of a complete blood count…. Understand anisocytosis, its relation to anemia, and how it is typically diagnosed and treated. While low Hgb generally indicates anemia, high Hgb may be caused by a…. Cold agglutinin disease CAD is a rare type of anemia. There are three main types of corpuscles blood cells in your blood—red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

An MCV blood test measures the average size of your red blood cells , also known as erythrocytes. Red blood cells move oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body. Your cells need oxygen to grow, reproduce, and stay healthy.

If your red blood cells are too small or too large, it could be a sign of a blood disorder such as anemia , a vitamin deficiency, or other medical condition. An MCV blood test is often part of a complete blood count CBC , a routine screening test that measures many different components of your blood, including red cells. It may also be used to diagnose or monitor certain blood disorders. Your health care provider may have ordered a complete blood count, which includes an MCV test, as part of your regular checkup or if you have symptoms of a blood disorder.

These symptoms include:. During the test, a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial.

You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out.