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The causes of increase and decrease in the average volume of red blood cells

Medical expert of the article

Hematologist, oncohematologist
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 19.10.2021

The clinical significance of MCV is similar to the value of unidirectional changes in the color index and hemoglobin content in the erythrocyte (MCH), since macrocytic anemia is usually hyperchromic (or normochromic), and microcytic - hypochromic. Changes in the MCV can provide useful information about violations of the water-electrolyte balance. An increase in MCV indicates a hypotonic character of water-electrolyte balance disturbances, while a decrease is indicative of a hypertonic nature.

Diseases and conditions accompanied by changes in MCV

MCV less than 80 fl

MCV in the range of 80-100

MCV more than 100 fl

Microcytic anemia:

  • iron deficiency
  • thalassemia
  • sideroblastic

Anemia that can be accompanied by microcytosis:

  • hemoglobinopathies
  • fusion
  • porphyrins

Lead poisoning

Normocytic anemia:

  • aplastic 
  • hemolytic
  • hemoglobinopathies
  • after bleeding

Anemia that can be accompanied by normocytosis:

  • regenerative phase
  • iron deficiency anemia

Macrocytic and megaloblastic anemia:

  • deficiency of vitamin B 12;
  • deficiency of folic acid

Anemia that can be accompanied by macrocytosis:

  • myelodysplastic syndromes
  • hemolytic anemia;
  • liver disease


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