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Dr ReshmaLast Updated on 27th January 2022Table of contents
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What is the MCV test used for?
The MCV test is majorly performed to measure the size of the red blood cells in the body. This test is primarily conducted as a part of the complete blood count, also termed as CBC, in which the healthcare professional determines the count of red blood cells, white blood, and platelets in your body necessary to carry oxygen from one organ to another in the body. The MCV test is a routine screening test that measures several different components of the blood, including the red blood cells. In case you’re suffering from any blood disorder or expecting related symptoms, your doctor will advise you to undergo the MCV test.
What is included in the MCV test?
The MCV test includes the checking of the size of your red blood cells that are essentially important for your body as they are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lung to several other organs, which helps them grow and keeps you physically healthy. Along with the red blood cell count, the MCV test is also conducted for the measurement of haemoglobin.
Procedure for MCV test
During the MCV test, the healthcare professional will follow the below-mentioned procedure-
- The professional expert will tie an elastic on your left hand to stop the continuous blood
- They will use a disinfectant to clear the patch on your hand
- A needle will be inserted to take out blood
- Later, the blood will be transferred to the test tube or veil
- They will give you a cotton ball to clean the area.
Once the blood is collected, they will carry it to the accredited laboratory, where the test will be conducted.
How to prepare for the MCV test?
While going for the MCV test, specific preparations need to be done. However, your healthcare advisor may suggest you undergo several other blood or urine tests. In case they do, you may need to fast for 8-10 hours. You can drink water during this period. If you take medications, inform your doctor beforehand, as they might interfere with your test results. Apart from these, if there are any specific suggestions, your healthcare advisor will suggest them to you before time.
Things to consider after the MCV Test test is complete
Once the test is done and you feel well, you may leave the place. The side effects from the test are very uncommon but may include;
- Infection: Each time the skin punctures, there is a little risk of infection.
- Bleeding: Those who are on medications like blood thinners and the ones having bleeding-related issues will have to hold pressure on the site for some period to stop the bleeding.
- Hematoma: This condition is a bruise that may occur at the site of a blood draw. Hematoma is common in people taking blood-thinning medications and those who have bleeding disorders.
If you suffer from any such diseases or experience related symptoms, it is best recommended to contact your healthcare advisor.
*What types of infection can the MCV test detect?
An MCV test is usually recommended by your healthcare professional to measure the size of the red blood cells in your body. The red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from one organ to another in the body. In case the red blood cell size is too small or too big, it might direct towards blood disorders such as Platelet disorders, bleeding problems, excessive clotting, Anemia, leukemia, myeloma, and Eosinophilic disorders.
How much does an MCV test cost?*
MCV test costs between INR 1275-2500, depending upon the lab partner and the city where you stay.
*Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.
How long does it take to get the results for the MCV test?
You can expect to get the results for the MCV test within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. However, in certain cases, depending on the location, medical advice, and preferred lab partner, it may take longer.
What do abnormal MCV test results indicate?
In case your MCV test results come out to be abnormal, they may indicate the following blood disorders.
When the size of the red blood cells is smaller than normal. It might lead to the following conditions.
- Anaemia – Anemia is a blood disorder in which your blood has a fewer amount of red blood cells than the normal range. The most common type of Anemia is iron-deficiency Anemia.
- Thalassemia is commonly found in people whose family members have suffered from it in the past; hence it is termed as a hereditary disease that passes onto generations. This condition can lead to severe Anemia.
When the size of the red blood cells is larger than normal. It might direct towards the below-mentioned conditions.
- vitamin B12 deficiency
- Liver diseases include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, Wilson disease, and hemochromatosis.
- Hypothyroidism
- Deficiency in the folic acid – type of the Vitamin B
By any chance, your MCV test report does not come out to be normal; it does not necessarily mean that you’re suffering from any blood disorder or liver disease. Whereas, this condition may also appear because of several food habits, activity levels, irregular menstrual cycle, medications, and so on.
Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor to interpret the test reports.
Is MCV a definitive test?
Although MCV is not a definitive test, it is used as one of the diagnostic tests for analyzing the size of the red blood cells in the body and increase or the decrease in size, since red blood cells are an essential component of our body and are also termed as the building block, it is essential to keep them in check. Doctors might ask for some additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other health conditions. Therefore, the abnormal size of the red blood cells always indicates health disorders; it may not be enough to confirm the disease.
How to read the MCV report?
MCV 83- 101 fL
The low MCV is indicated as the microcytic,high MCV is indicated as macrocytic, whereas the normal range is termed as normocytic. Looking at reports, you can easily make out the results. However, a few laboratories opt for different types of measurement methods for MCV tests that may affect the final value a little. Discuss with your doctor to know about different terminologies in test results.
Why book an MCV test?
An MCV test is majorly conducted to monitor the average size of the red blood cells in the human body. In case your results show high or low MCV, they might direct towards several health conditions therefore, a thorough checkup is a must. In case you’re experiencing the below-mentioned symptoms, we recommend you to go under the MCV test after consulting your healthcare advisor. The symptoms are as follows-
- Bruising or unusual bleeding
- Cold feet and hands
- Pale skin
- Fatigue
In case you’re going through any such diseases or experiencing the similar symptoms, it is best recommended to book a MCV test
MCV test at home – how does it work?
The MCV test is just like any other blood test. A lab technician visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. The lab technician first cleans the arm and then inserts a syringe into a vein. The required amount of blood is then taken into a vial. The lab technician then removes the needle and places cotton wool or a bandage over the prick.
Are there any risks involved with MCV tests?
Although a MCV test is a simple blood test and does not involve any health risks in particular as all they do is take out some blood as a sample to check under the microscope. However, there are some minor side effects that you might witness after getting the MCV test done. These are as follows-
- Blood collecting under the skin
- Minor skin infections
- Bursting
- Lightheaded feeling
Apart from these, there are no side effects of the MCV test. In case you suffer any significant complications, it is advisable to visit your healthcare professional as soon as possible to minimize future health issues.
What can affect the results of the MCV test?
If you’re taking any medications before the test, it is recommended to be extra sure by informing your healthcare professional as it might directly affect the test results. Apart from this, in case the test requires fasting, you should consult your doctor for the same. Also, if there are any specific instructions from your doctor’s end, such as fasting, make sure you follow them religiously to achieve accurate results. Note, the results of the MCV test will help your healthcare professional plan the future treatment process; therefore, there’s no scope of gaps.
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Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs
Is the lab technician coming for MCV sample collection vaccinated?
Yes. Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety throughout by wearing a mask, gloves and frequently sanitizing themselves during the sample collection.
Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?
Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result along with the reports. You can also avail a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.
How can I download my MCV test report?
- Login to MFine
- Go to your profile
- Click on Attachment and Reports
- Click on Lab Report
- Download the report
Are there any discount offers running on MCV tests?
Usually, you can avail of up to 50% discount on MCV through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.
What does high MCV in a blood test indicate?
A high mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in a blood test indicates that red blood cells are larger than average. The presence of large blood cells is referred to as macrocytosis.
What does corpuscular mean?
Corpuscular is an adjective based on corpuscle, which is a single red or white blood cell. Corpuscles are multiple blood cells.
What causes macrocytic Anemia?
Anaemia is when a person has a low red blood cell count. There are two types of macrocytic anaemias:
- Megaloblastic macrocytic Anemia is often caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12.
- Non-megaloblastic macrocytic Anemia is caused by certain diseases including myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), alcoholism, liver dysfunction, hypothyroidism, and more.
List the procedure to conduct the MCV test?
Here are the steps involved in the MCV test. Let’s have a look-
- The professional expert will tie an elastic on your left hand to stop the continuous blood
- They will use a disinfectant to clear the patch on your hand
- A needle will be inserted to take out blood
- Later, the blood will be transferred to the test tube or veil
- They will give you a cotton ball to clean the area.
What conditions does it reflect if my results come out to be abnormal?
In case your results come out to be abnormal, there are several blood disorders that it reflects, including thalassemia, anemia, hypothyroidism, liver diseases, and so on. If treated properly, these conditions are curable.
What is the price of the MCV test?
Although the price of the MCV test hugely varies from city to city, it remains between Rs 1200 to 2500.
Disclaimer: The content is uniquely informative and is meant for educational use. Kindly use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified or registered healthcare provider.