What does MCV stand for in a hematology context?

In a hematology context, MCV stands for Mean Corpuscular Volume. This term refers to the average volume of a red blood cell and is a critical component of a complete blood count (CBC). MCV is calculated by dividing the total volume of red blood cells by the number of red blood cells present. It is typically expressed in femtoliters (fL).

The significance of MCV lies in its ability to help differentiate between different types of anemia. For instance, a low MCV indicates microcytic anemia, which might result from iron deficiency, while a high MCV indicates macrocytic anemia, often associated with vitamin B12 or folate deficiency. Understanding MCV values can guide healthcare providers in diagnosing the underlying causes of anemia and tailoring appropriate treatment plans.