What is the normal range for mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in adults?

What is the normal range for mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in adults?

• A. 60-80 fL
• B. 80-100 fL
• C. 90-110 fL
• D. 100-120 fL

Answer: (B)

Mean corpuscular volume shows the average size of red blood cells, helping to classify anemia as microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic. For adults, the normal reference range is about 80 to 100 femtoliters. Values below this indicate microcytosis (smaller than normal), seen with iron deficiency or thalassemia. Values above this indicate macrocytosis (larger than normal), seen with B12 or folate deficiency, liver disease, or alcoholism. Hence the range 80–100 fL best represents the normal adult value, while the other ranges lean into microcytosis or macrocytosis.

Mean corpuscular volume shows the average size of red blood cells, helping to classify anemia as microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic. For adults, the normal reference range is about 80 to 100 femtoliters. Values below this indicate microcytosis (smaller than normal), seen with iron deficiency or thalassemia. Values above this indicate macrocytosis (larger than normal), seen with B12 or folate deficiency, liver disease, or alcoholism. Hence the range 80–100 fL best represents the normal adult value, while the other ranges lean into microcytosis or macrocytosis.