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Causes of increased and decreased mean red blood cell volume
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
The clinical significance of MCV is similar to the significance of unidirectional changes in the color index and hemoglobin content in the erythrocyte (MCH), since macrocytic anemias are usually simultaneously hyperchromic (or normochromic), and microcytic anemias are hypochromic. Changes in MCV can provide useful information about water-electrolyte imbalance. An increase in MCV indicates a hypotonic nature of water-electrolyte imbalance, while a decrease indicates a hypertonic nature.
Diseases and conditions associated with changes in MCV
MCV less than 80 fl |
MCV in the range of 80-100 |
MCV over 100 fl |
Microcytic anemias:
Anemias that may be accompanied by microcytosis:
Lead poisoning |
Normocytic anemias:
Anemias that may be accompanied by normocytosis:
|
Macrocytic and megaloblastic anemias:
Anemias that may be accompanied by macrocytosis:
|