MCV stands for mean corpuscular volume, which is a value calculated during a routine blood test called a complete blood count (CBC) . The MCV blood test measures the average size of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, and their size provides information about how successfully they can transport oxygen.

An MCV blood test is usually ordered as part of a complete blood count (CBC) . It is helpful in diagnosing certain medical conditions such as anemia, liver disease, or other conditions. An MCV blood test is also used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for certain medical conditions.

During an MCV blood test, a healthcare provider draws blood from a vein to collect a sample. The test is usually done as part of a CBC test, which also measures other red blood cell indices such as mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and red cell distribution width (RDW) .

The results of an MCV blood test alone cannot diagnose any disease. A healthcare provider will use the results of the MCV test, other test results, and the patients medical history to make a diagnosis. If the results show that the red blood cells are smaller than normal, it may be a sign of certain types of anemia, including iron-deficiency anemia, the most common type, or thalassemia, an uncommon genetic condition. If the results show that the red blood cells are larger than normal, it may be a sign of macrocytic anemia, which is frequently due to a vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.

In summary, an MCV blood test measures the average size of red blood cells and is used to diagnose certain medical conditions such as anemia, liver disease, or other conditions. It is usually ordered as part of a complete blood count (CBC) and is one of the red blood cell indices that is included in the CBC test.