what is mcv in blood test low

MCV stands for mean corpuscular volume, which is a value calculated during a routine blood test called a complete blood count (CBC) . MCV measures the average size of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. A low MCV (microcytosis) is less than 80 fl and may indicate certain conditions such as iron-deficiency anemia, thalassemia, or lead poisoning. On the other hand, a high MCV (macrocytosis) is greater than 100 fl and may indicate certain conditions such as vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, liver disease, or alcohol misuse. However, MCV results alone cannot diagnose any disease, and your healthcare provider will consider MCV results alongside other test results and your medical history to make a diagnosis. If you have MCV levels that are not in the normal range, it doesnt always mean that you have a medical problem that needs treatment. Diet, activity level, medicines, a menstrual period, and other conditions can affect the test results. Therefore, it is important to talk with your healthcare provider to learn what your results mean.