Mean corpuscular volume measures the average size of which cells?

Mean corpuscular volume measures the average size of which cells?

• A. Red blood cell size
• B. Hemoglobin content
• C. Platelet mass
• D. White blood cell count

Answer: (A)

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) reflects the average size of red blood cells. It is calculated from a standard blood count and reported in femtoliters, indicating whether erythrocytes are normocytic, macrocytic, or microcytic. A normal MCV (about 80–100 fL) means cells are typical in size; higher values point to larger-than-normal cells (macrocytosis), which can occur with B12 or folate deficiency, liver disease, or alcohol use; lower values indicate smaller-than-normal cells (microcytosis), as seen with iron deficiency or thalassemia. MCV does not measure hemoglobin content (that’s mean corpuscular hemoglobin) or hemoglobin concentration per volume, nor does it assess platelets or white blood cells.

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) reflects the average size of red blood cells. It is calculated from a standard blood count and reported in femtoliters, indicating whether erythrocytes are normocytic, macrocytic, or microcytic. A normal MCV (about 80–100 fL) means cells are typical in size; higher values point to larger-than-normal cells (macrocytosis), which can occur with B12 or folate deficiency, liver disease, or alcohol use; lower values indicate smaller-than-normal cells (microcytosis), as seen with iron deficiency or thalassemia. MCV does not measure hemoglobin content (that’s mean corpuscular hemoglobin) or hemoglobin concentration per volume, nor does it assess platelets or white blood cells.