What does MCV measure in a blood sample?

The measurement of MCV, or Mean Corpuscular Volume, specifically assesses the average size or volume of red blood cells (RBCs) in a blood sample. This measurement is crucial in evaluating various health conditions, such as anemia, where the size of red blood cells can indicate different types. For example, macrocytic anemia is characterized by larger than normal RBCs, while microcytic anemia involves smaller than normal cells.

While other blood parameters are important for overall analysis—like the weight of hemoglobin in RBCs, the total number of RBCs, and the concentration of white blood cells (WBCs)—MCV distinctly provides valuable information about the dimensions of the red blood cells themselves. Understanding MCV helps in diagnosing conditions that relate to the production and health of these critical components of blood.