Since the low and high MCV value, which shows the size of the red blood cells in the complete blood count test and similar blood tests, may be a sign of some diseases, it is one of the values that should be considered. Let’s examine your questions, such as what is MCV and what does low mean, in all details.
Our body is like a machine that works without stopping for even a second. The size of these machine parts is as important as the number. For example, it shows the size of our red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen to our body. Low or high MCV value, It may indicate that the person has one of many different diseases.
The MCV value can be easily measured with a standard blood count test or similar blood test. Of course, a simple blood test alone is not always the only diagnostic tool for a disease, but when a high or low MCV value is seen, some diseases are suspected and additional tests may be requested accordingly. Bride What is MCV, what happens if it goes up, what does low mean Let’s examine the most frequently asked questions in detail.
Let’s start with a basic definition; What is MCV in blood test?
Mean Corpuscular Volume, mean cellular volume in Turkish, MCV for short; one of three different types of cell classes in our blood and responsible for carrying oxygen to our body size of red blood cells represents a value. One of the most effective ways to find out if red blood cells are healthy is to look at the MCV value.
What should be the ideal MCV value?
The ideal MCV value may vary from person to person, but to give an average value; 80 – 95 fl in adults, the elderly and children, and 96 – 108 fl in newborns considered the ideal MCV value.
Red blood cells are considered smaller than normal when the MCV value is less than 80 fl. microcytosis is called. Red blood cells are considered larger than normal when the MCV value is higher than 100 fl. macrocytosis is called. Both conditions can indicate different diseases and conditions.
What does low MCV mean, why does it drop?
- iron deficiency anemia
- Mediterranean anemia
- lead poisoning
- anemia of chronic disease
- Sideroblastic anemia
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Radiotherapy
Iron deficiency anemia:
Iron deficiency anemia, one of the most common causes of low MCV; blood loss, long menstrual period, It can occur due to different reasons such as celiac disease, malnutrition, infections. Iron deficiency is one of the most common problems, especially in children and pregnant women.
Mediterranean anemia:
Mediterranean anemia, also known as thalassemia, is a hereditary type of anemia. Different symptoms are seen in patients with the disease and in real patients. Since the blood values of the patients are very low, this situation can be understood immediately, but carriers may not show itself immediately, except for some values such as the MCV value.
Lead poisoning:
In case of too much exposure to lead, which is a heavy chemical substance, the MCV value will decrease. Especially in miners, those who live in areas with polluted air, It is a frequently encountered situation in industrial workers, auto mechanics and similar sectors. Although it is confused with iron deficiency, it is a much more serious problem.
Anemia of chronic disease:
Such as different types of cancer, crohn’s disease, endocarditis, kidney diseases, AIDS, diabetes, tuberculosis, autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis Anemia due to chronic diseases May cause low MCV.
Sideroblastic anemia:
Sideroblastic anemia is an inherited anemia condition. As a result of mutations in genes emerges. As a result of this mutation, red blood cells accumulate iron and the MCV value decreases.
Vitamin deficiencies:
It was understood that the main cause of low MCV was iron deficiency, but it also copper deficiency It causes low MCV. Similarly, deficiency of this type of vitamin, especially B6, can cause low MCV.
Radiotherapy:
Used for the treatment of different types of cancer One of the side effects of radiotherapy method is reduction in the size of red blood cells. For this reason, the probability of a low MCV value in people who receive radiotherapy is quite high.
Symptoms that allow you to easily understand MCV low:
- Weakness
- Tiredness
- pale skin
- Palpitation
- Crying in children
- Shortness of breath
- Hair loss
- Don’t get tired easily
- Nail breakage
- feeling of restlessness
- loss of concentration
Here are some of the symptoms that are common in people with low MCV. If these symptoms if you feel one or more You should consult a specialist doctor, suspecting that you have a low MCV value.
What happens if MCV rises, why does it rise?
- B12 deficiency
- Folic acid deficiency
- myelodysplastic syndrome
- Alcoholism
- hypothyroidism
- Different drug uses
B12 deficiency:
Caused by a lack of vitamin B12 in the body megaloblastic anemia, It is one of the disorders that increase the MCV value. This type of anemia, which is also associated with stomach discomfort, is directly related to B12 deficiency, but even if anemia does not occur, the MCV value may increase in case of B12 deficiency.
Folic acid deficiency:
Folic acid, one of the B group vitamins, is vital for the conversion of amino acids and red blood cells can grow in case of its deficiency. While an adult should take 240 ug of folic acid per day In pregnant women, this need is recommended as 400 ug. It is something that needs attention.
Myelodysplastic syndrome:
Myelodysplastic syndrome with symptoms such as anemia, thrombocytopenia bleeding, infection and fever, chromosomal abnormalities It is a type of disease. The MCV value may increase due to this syndrome, which is likely to turn into leukemia.
Alcoholism:
Alcohol, which is the mother of all evils, is also one of the main causes of high MCV. People who use more than 80 grams of alcohol per day Red blood cells also tend to enlarge due to macrocytic anemia that may occur.
Hypothyroidism:
Thyroid hormone has a direct effect on the production of red blood cells. That is hypothyroidism in case of thyroid hormone deficiency The red blood cells are enlarged and therefore the MCV value is high.
Different drug uses:
It may be the drugs used by the person that cause all these situations mentioned above. Because some drugs prevent the absorption of B12 and folic acid. This side effect can be seen frequently in antiviral drugs, cancer drugs, diabetes drugs, malaria drugs and epilepsy drugs.
A value that indicates the size of red blood cells in a blood test What is MCV, what does its high and low mean We answered your questions. What we describe is for informational purposes only. Do not forget that you should get the most accurate and specific information about your MCV value from a specialist physician, as in all health issues.