What does mcv mean in medical terms

How 'literally' can mean "figuratively". Literally How to use a word that literally drives some pe Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice? The awkward case of 'his or her'. Take the quiz. Our Favorite New Words How many do you know? Doctors use these measurements when diagnosing specific types of anemia, as well as other health conditions. Learn more about MCH levels in blood tests here. During an MCV blood test, a doctor draws blood from a vein to collect a sample.

While the doctor is taking the blood sample, a person may feel a little pain and a stinging sensation. Drawing blood carries few risks. However, everyone is different, and sometimes blood collection is more straightforward in some people than in others. These symptoms indicate conditions that affect the size of red blood cells, making them smaller or larger than usual. When red blood cells are smaller than expected, a person likely has microcytic anemia.

If they are larger, a person may have macrocytic anemia. A typical adult MCV level is 80— femtoliters fl. Specific levels for different ages and sexes include:. MCV results may differ among labs, so people should not worry if their reading is slightly above or below these ranges. When a person has an MCV level below 80 fl , this suggests they have microcytic anemia.

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. Vitamin C can significantly increase the absorption of iron from foods [ 16 ]. A high MCV means that your red blood cells are bigger than normal macrocytic [ 1 ]. By itself, large red blood cells macrocytosis do not cause any symptoms. However, they can help provide information about underlying health conditions [ 17 ]. One common cause of high MCV is megaloblastic anemia, particularly the kinds that result from deficiencies of vitamin B1 2 and folate vitamin B9 [ 18 ].

With megaloblastic anemia, red blood cells are larger, but their core nucleus is smaller. These abnormalities are due to impaired DNA synthesis, which can result from folate and B12 deficiency. The effects are most apparent in rapidly dividing cells such as blood cells and gut cells. Alcohol intake is another common cause of high MCV. Alcoholics have higher MCV than non-alcoholics. In one study, after alcoholic-liver disease patients abstained from drinking alcohol, their MCV decreased significantly [ 19 , 20 , 21 ].

Liver disease can also increase the size of red blood cells. This is due to the build-up of fats in red blood cell membranes [ 21 , 20 , 22 ]. An underactive thyroid hypothyroidism has also been associated with bigger red blood cells [ 23 ].

Some autoimmune diseases that impact red blood cells, such as aplastic anemia and autoimmune hemolytic anemia can increase MCV [ 24 , 17 , 25 ]. MCV increases in some types of leukemia [ 26 ]. Work with your doctor to determine and treat the cause of high MCV.

Attempting to decrease MCV artificially may not address underlying health conditions and ultimately may do more harm than good.

In order to prevent nutrient deficiencies. In rare cases, such as when symptoms are severe or blood loss has occurred, you may need a blood transfusion. People with mild thalassemia may not require treatment. However, blood transfusions may be required if your symptoms are severe. Treatment for anemias caused by B or folate deficiencies are commonly treated by lifestyle changes, such as adding foods rich in vitamin B and folate to your diet.

Your doctor may also recommend taking supplements of these vitamins to further boost your B and folate levels or, if absorption is a problem, prescribe B injections. Low MCH values are often caused by iron deficiency anemia. Typically, this condition can be treated with lifestyle changes including consuming foods rich in iron as well as taking iron supplements. In the rare case that your low MCH value is caused by thalassemia, you may require blood transfusions if your symptoms are severe.

High MCH values caused by a deficiency of the vitamins B or folate can also often be treated with changes to your lifestyle that include dietary modifications and supplements, or injectable B Together, you can decide on the best way to move forward. Folic acid and folate are two forms of vitamin B9. However, they do not have the same effects on your health. MCHC is the average concentration of hemoglobin in your red blood cells.

Find out how a low MCHC level is diagnosed and what conditions it may point…. MCHC is a measure of the average amount of hemoglobin inside a single red blood cell.