MCV (mean corpuscular volume)

MCV = Hct/Hgb 

Normal values: MCV: 80 to 95 femtoliter MCH: 27 to 31 picograms/cell MCHC: 32 to 36 grams/deciliter 

These RBC indices are useful in the differential diagnosis of types of anemia. Anemias are classified on the basis of cell size (MCV) and cell color (MCHC). MCV less than lower limit of normal: microcytic MCV within normal range: normocytic MCV greater than upper limit of normal: macrocytic MCHC less than lower limit of normal: hypochromic MCHC with normal range: normochromic MCHC greater than upper limit of normal: hyperchromic.

 

Anemias have been classified as follows: normocytic/normochromic (NC/NC) anemia: acute blood loss aplastic anemia (for example, due to chloramphenicol toxicity) prosthetic heart valves sepsis tumor microcytic/hypochromic anemia: iron deficiency lead poisoning thalassemia microcytic/normochromic anemia: erythropoietin deficiency secondary to renal failure macrocytic/normochromic anemia: chemotherapy folate deficiency vitamin B12 deficiency