What is MCV, and what does it indicate?
MCV stands for mean corpuscular volume and measures the mean volume and size of red blood cells [1].
Typically, the MCV measurement is part of the complete blood count [2], which includes examinations like the hemoglobin and red blood cell counts.
The normal range of MCV is 80 to 100 femtoliters (fL). Red blood cells with an MCV in this range are referred to as normocytic or normal size [1].
If the result is lower than 80 fL, the red blood cells are small and called microcytic [1].
MCV values above 100 fL indicate an increased size of red blood cells, which are called macrocytic [1].
The results of MCV are important for classifying anemia and can help assess the risk of cardiovascular events [2].
What is MCH, and what does it indicate?
MCH means mean corpuscular hemoglobin and measures the mean amount of hemoglobin in a red blood cell [3].
Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen, making oxygen transport possible [3].
Similarly to MCV, MCH is also used for more specific anemia diagnoses. For example, low MCH, below 27 pg, is often a sign of iron deficiency anemia [3].
MCH of more than 31 pg is usually present in vitamin B12 or B9 deficiency anemia [3].
What does it mean when I have low MCV and MCH with normal hemoglobin?
Low MCV and normal MCH with normal hemoglobin can indicate a few conditions.
The first possible disease is early-stage iron deficiency anemia. In this type of anemia, the body lacks iron, which it needs for hemoglobin production [3].
It leads to a decrease in hemoglobin and the size of the red blood cells, which is the cause of low MCH and MCV [3].
Mild thalassemia is another condition that can lead to low MCV and MCH with normal hemoglobin [3].
This genetic disease affects hemoglobin production, leading to smaller red blood cell production [3, 4].
The hemoglobin can be normal in mild thalassemia as the body compensates by increasing the red blood cell count [5].
Other possible conditions that can be present in such laboratory findings include examples of normocytic anemia [6].
They can be hemolytic, with red blood cell destruction, and non-hemolytic, without damaging the erythrocytes [2].
For instance, normal hemoglobin with low MCH and MCV can be present in chronic disease anemia [7].
It is a non-hemolytic normocytic anemia that occurs in diseases like chronic kidney disease or rheumatoid arthritis [7].
Should I see a doctor when I have low MCV and MCH with normal hemoglobin?
Yes, you should see a doctor if you have low MCV and MCH with normal hemoglobin levels.
These laboratory results indicate a health problem that possibly requires further investigation.
It is possible that your poor dietary iron intake led to lower MCH and MCV. Also, recent menstrual or unknown gastrointestinal bleeding can be the cause [4].
You should see a doctor, especially if you have symptoms like @ shortness of breath,
- rapid heartbeat or palpitation,
- headaches,
- fatigue,
- chest pains,
- yellow skin [3].
Furthermore, during the consultation, a doctor can assess other laboratory and physical findings you may have.
During the visit, you will receive not only a precise diagnosis but also a loaned treatment that will make you feel better.