What does a low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) indicate?
May 21, 2019
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Guoqiang
Introduction
If a patient has anemia, the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) are typically reduced. Common causes include:
1. Chronic blood loss anemia—such as that resulting from peptic ulcers, hookworm infection, or menorrhagia.
2. Iron-deficiency anemia—treatment may involve iron supplementation; iron-rich foods—including red meats (e.g., lean pork, beef) and pork liver—are recommended.
A low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is clinically significant only when the patient has anemia.
If the patient has anemia and exhibits low values for mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), this indicates microcytic hypochromic anemia.
Common causes include:
1. Chronic blood loss anemia—for example, due to peptic ulcer disease, hookworm infection, or menorrhagia.
2. Iron deficiency anemia—treatment may include iron supplementation and consumption of iron-rich foods, particularly red meats (e.g., lean pork, beef) and pork liver.
