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What Does This MCV Value Indicate?

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Posted on Tue, 6 Dec 2016
Question: My blood test results shows an above range Mean Cell Volume of 108 and an above range of mean cell Haemoglobin level of 35.5. What should I do to bring these down to the normal range?
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Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
investigation is required first

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

the mean cell volume (MCV) should be lower than 100fL. 108 is too high and requires investigation. Common causes include vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency, significant alcohol consumption, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), liver disease, etc. High MCH commonly accompanies high MCV but it's not important in assessment.

So the first thing to do is to investigate the underlying cause. Microscopic examination of peripheral blood by a hematologist and assays for vitamin B12, folic acid are essential in this regard. Depending on the results further investigation might be required.

If you drink alcohol then perhaps this is a warning to stop or reduce consumption.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
Please contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3814 Questions

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What Does This MCV Value Indicate?

Brief Answer: investigation is required first Detailed Answer: Hello, the mean cell volume (MCV) should be lower than 100fL. 108 is too high and requires investigation. Common causes include vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency, significant alcohol consumption, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), liver disease, etc. High MCH commonly accompanies high MCV but it's not important in assessment. So the first thing to do is to investigate the underlying cause. Microscopic examination of peripheral blood by a hematologist and assays for vitamin B12, folic acid are essential in this regard. Depending on the results further investigation might be required. If you drink alcohol then perhaps this is a warning to stop or reduce consumption. I hope you find my comments helpful! Please contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information. Kind Regards!