Know your MCV. Know your health.
Test your Mean Corpuscular Volume and 100+ other biomarkers in a single blood draw.
Normal range: 80 – 100 fL (higher is better)
MCV measures the average size of your red blood cells. It is the key test for classifying what type of anemia you have. Small cells (low MCV, called microcytic) suggest iron deficiency or thalassemia. Large cells (high MCV, called macrocytic) indicate vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, liver disease, or alcohol use. Normal-sized cells with a low count point to other causes like chronic disease or kidney problems.
A normal MCV is 80 – 100 fL. Higher is better.
Low MCV (microcytic) is most often caused by iron deficiency or thalassemia trait. Chronic disease and lead poisoning can also shrink red cells. Eating more iron-rich foods or supplementing iron (if deficient) is the most direct way to normalize a low MCV from iron deficiency.
High MCV (macrocytic) is typically from B12 or folate deficiency, chronic alcohol use, or liver disease. Several medications can raise MCV, including methotrexate, hydroxyurea, some anticonvulsants, and certain HIV medications. Hypothyroidism is a less common cause.
If your MCV is off, the fix depends on the underlying cause. Iron supplementation for low MCV from iron deficiency. B12 or folate supplementation for high MCV from vitamin deficiency. Reducing alcohol intake if that is the driver. Your doctor will use MCV alongside other CBC values to determine the best approach.
MCV is most highly correlated with Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin and HDL Cholesterol. Here are the top biomarkers correlated with MCV, based on 500,000 tests done by Empirical Health.
The percentage shows how strongly two biomarkers move together. A higher number means the relationship is stronger. Green = rises and falls together. Orange = one rises as the other falls.
You can test your MCV for $190 as part of Empirical's comprehensive health panel, which includes 100 biomarkers.
You can measure your MCV for at 2,200+ testing locations across the US. Click below and enter your zip code to browse locations near you.
Test your Mean Corpuscular Volume and 100+ other biomarkers in a single blood draw.