MCV Blood Test High: What the Number May Be Telling You

MCV blood test high? An elevated MCV means your red blood cells are larger than average, but the result by itself does not tell you why.

MCV stands for mean corpuscular volume. It is part of the complete blood count and tells us the average size of your red blood cells. An MCV above about 100 fL is generally considered high, although individual laboratories may use slightly different reference ranges.

What can cause a high MCV?

A high MCV does not automatically mean that you have anemia or a serious disease. Instead, it gives your doctor a useful clue about what may be affecting red blood cell production.

• Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.

• Alcohol use or certain medications.

• Liver disease or an underactive thyroid.

• An increased number of young red blood cells after bleeding or red blood cell destruction.

• Less commonly, a disorder affecting the bone marrow.

What tests might your doctor order next?

Depending on the rest of your blood count and your medical history, your doctor may check vitamin B12 and folate levels, a reticulocyte count, a peripheral blood smear, thyroid tests, or liver tests. If the elevation remains unexplained, especially when other blood counts are abnormal, further evaluation may be needed.

The important point is that MCV is a clue rather than a diagnosis. One mildly elevated result is not necessarily alarming, but a persistent high MCV is worth discussing with your healthcare professional so the underlying cause can be identified.

This article and video are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for individual medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.