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Hi: For A 64 Yr Old Healthy Woman Who Was
Question: Hi:
For a 64 yr old healthy woman who was experiencing fatigue,bruising and night sweats, does an MCV of 101.5 warrant a visit to a hematologist if Vitamin B-12, Folate, intrinsic factor and Parietal AB factors are normal? No other CBC levels were out of range other than MCV. Thyroid panel is normal. Patient does not drink alcohol. Is an MCV of 101.5 high enough to be concerned about MDS?
For a 64 yr old healthy woman who was experiencing fatigue,bruising and night sweats, does an MCV of 101.5 warrant a visit to a hematologist if Vitamin B-12, Folate, intrinsic factor and Parietal AB factors are normal? No other CBC levels were out of range other than MCV. Thyroid panel is normal. Patient does not drink alcohol. Is an MCV of 101.5 high enough to be concerned about MDS?
Brief Answer:
MCV is normal. Coagulation tests recommended.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on Ask A Doctor forum.
MCV of 101 when all other parameters are within range is not of much concern.
However, I would like to know haemoglobin level, hematocrit, MCH, MCHC and RDW also.
It does not suggest MDS.
Frequent bruising can be due to disorders of coagulation system.
I suggest you to get investigations for coagulation pathway- Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and INR.
Kindly, post your test results for interpretation.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
MCV is normal. Coagulation tests recommended.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on Ask A Doctor forum.
MCV of 101 when all other parameters are within range is not of much concern.
However, I would like to know haemoglobin level, hematocrit, MCH, MCHC and RDW also.
It does not suggest MDS.
Frequent bruising can be due to disorders of coagulation system.
I suggest you to get investigations for coagulation pathway- Prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and INR.
Kindly, post your test results for interpretation.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Hi Dr. Puri:
Thank you for answering my question.
As per your request, I have posted my CBC, which answers your questions about the other blood counts.
All other tests taken (thyroid, B-12, Folate, etc) were so normal (in the middle of the range) there is no need for me to send them to you.
My platelet count has been elevated since I had hip replacement surgery 2 years ago. I've had the tests for the coagulation pathway you suggested. They were all normal.
Is it normal for MCV to fluctuate periodically or to increase with age? I checked back to all my physicals for 10 years. The MCV was 93 10 years ago and has been slowly creeping up.
Thank you,
Marilyn Kier
Thank you for answering my question.
As per your request, I have posted my CBC, which answers your questions about the other blood counts.
All other tests taken (thyroid, B-12, Folate, etc) were so normal (in the middle of the range) there is no need for me to send them to you.
My platelet count has been elevated since I had hip replacement surgery 2 years ago. I've had the tests for the coagulation pathway you suggested. They were all normal.
Is it normal for MCV to fluctuate periodically or to increase with age? I checked back to all my physicals for 10 years. The MCV was 93 10 years ago and has been slowly creeping up.
Thank you,
Marilyn Kier
Brief Answer:
There is nothing to worry for mildly elevated MCV.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
A mildly increased MCV is almost normal and there is nothing to worry if all other investigations are within limit.
You may get liver function tests and kidney function tests at six monthly interval as a part of routine health check up.
Bruising can be due to trauma else there is no obvious reason for it with normal platelet count and normal coagulation tests.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
There is nothing to worry for mildly elevated MCV.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
A mildly increased MCV is almost normal and there is nothing to worry if all other investigations are within limit.
You may get liver function tests and kidney function tests at six monthly interval as a part of routine health check up.
Bruising can be due to trauma else there is no obvious reason for it with normal platelet count and normal coagulation tests.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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