What it means
A red cell index that helps sort out the type of anemiauh-NEE-mee-uhA lower than normal number of red blood cells or amount of hemoglobin in the blood.a- without, lacking-emia blood conditionFull entry . Small cells (a low MCV, microcytic) are typical of iron deficiency; large cells (a high MCV, macrocytic) are typical of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency and heavy alcohol use; normal-sized cells with anemia suggest blood loss or chronic disease. Corpuscle is an old word for a blood cell.
At a glance
| Normal range | Adults 80–100 fL [80–100 fL]; each lab sets its own reference range. |
|---|---|
| Also written | MCV |
Related terms
hemoglobin
The iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, and the blood test that measures it.
anemia
A lower than normal number of red blood cells or amount of hemoglobin in the blood.
red blood cell
A blood cell that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues; also called an erythrocyte.
vitamin B12
A vitamin from animal foods that the body needs to make red blood cells and keep nerves healthy; also called cobalamin.