Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. A laboratory result should be interpreted with related tests, symptoms, medical history, and the reference information on the report.

Which reference range should I use?

Use the reference interval provided by the laboratory that performed the test. Clinical decision cutoffs, when relevant, are shown separately.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Professional assessment is appropriate when a result is markedly outside the reference interval, serious symptoms are present, an abnormality persists or recurs, or follow-up has been recommended.

Information about a laboratory test

MCV: What Does This Blood Test Measure?

Measures the average size of red blood cells.

Test summary

Test name: MCV
Abbreviations: MCV
Category: Hematology
Panel: RBC Indices / Hemogram
Specimen: Whole blood
Common units: fL

What does the test measure?

Measures the average size of red blood cells.

Why is the test ordered?

Helps classify anemia patterns as microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic.

Information about a low result

A low MCV indicates smaller red blood cells and can be seen in conditions such as iron deficiency or thalassemia.

Information about a high result

A high MCV indicates larger red blood cells and can be seen with some vitamin deficiencies, liver disease, and other conditions.

Reference and clinical context

Use the reference interval printed on your own laboratory report first. Reference intervals may vary by laboratory, method, unit, age, sex, pregnancy, specimen, and other conditions. Numeric records in this workbook are explicitly labeled as either source-based example reference intervals or clinical decision cutoffs.

Reference range 1

>= 80 – <= 100 fL

Population: General
Specimen: Whole blood

Example reference interval

MedlinePlus example. Pediatric/lab-specific ranges may differ.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

MCV is not a diagnosis. It is more useful when interpreted with hemoglobin, RDW, ferritin, and other laboratory results.

Related specialties

Hematology
Internal Medicine
Pediatrics

Frequently asked questions

More information about this test

Sources

CBC blood test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2024 · CBC components; example adult reference ranges; high/low RBC, WBC and platelet context · Verified: Aug 11, 2026
Red Blood Cell (RBC) Indices — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2024 · MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW definitions and interpretation · Verified: Aug 11, 2026
RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width) — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2024 · RDW interpretation; low RDW usually not concerning; combine with other indices · Verified: Aug 11, 2026
Ferritin Blood Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2025 · Ferritin purpose; low/high context; inflammation and liver-related causes of elevation · Verified: Aug 11, 2026