Complete blood count provides a range of quantitative and qualitative indicators, which help assess the state of the hematopoietic system, confirm the diagnosis, to monitor effectiveness of the therapy. Among other things, it includes the calculation of the erythrocyte indices, such as corpuscular volume, hemoglobin content of the erythrocyte and separate throughout erythrocyte mass. The concept of the MCV in blood test - what it is, what its values are considered normal and what symptoms occur when there is a fault, it can help detect early signs of anemia.
As the analysis
To study the blood is taken from a finger or a vein (the latter is preferable). This should be done in the morning on an empty stomach or after at least 4 hours after a meal. On the eve of the patient should abstain from alcohol, caffeine, psychotropic substances, oily and spicy food, limit the physical and psycho-emotional stress. Immediately prior to blood donation can not smoke.
If the patient receives medication, the necessary preparations should be taken according to the schedule. But the details of this should be reported to your doctor.
The resulting blood sample laboratory shall prepare and make MCV analysis and other necessary parameters using an automated hematology analyzer or a microscope. The required value is calculated from the ratio of the total number of red blood cells to a hematocrit in 1 l of the sample. It is measured in femtolitrah (Valium), at least in mkm³.
Decoding results
Normally, the red blood cells, called normocytes represent rounded flat cells which are concave on both sides. This form allows you to have a maximum surface area of diffusion, while maintaining the volume, and easily pass through the narrow curved portions of the circulatory system. The indicator in the blood MCV (abbreviation for mean cell volume, which translated means "the average cell volume") determines the mean corpuscular volume.
The modified erythrocytes are not able to fulfill their function qualitatively by transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide, which can lead to severe consequences. They may have non-standard shape (elliptotsity, acanthocytes, fragmentotsity, sickle cell, etc..) Or different size (macro- and microcytes). Such elements may be present only in small amounts, maintaining the average volume of red blood cells in the normal range. If, however, a lot of them, it leads to an increase or decrease in the value of MCB.
MCV blood test results allow us to determine the state of red blood cells and to draw conclusions about the presence of certain genetic or acquired abnormalities. These laboratory studies are presented in table form, here comprising respective parameters and their numerical values. Decoding results performed by a doctor.
MCV assay in the required primarily to determine the type of anemia. As amended corpuscular volume may indicate electrolyte imbalance, poisoning, inflammation, lack of vitamins, liver pathologies, and other abnormalities.
The results of these studies are not always reliable:
- They are distorted by a large number of deformed red blood cells.
- The simultaneous presence of small and abnormally increased erythrocyte gives false answer no change, ie. K. Volumes averaged cells.
- The indicator in the analysis of blood MCV affect certain foods, alcohol, steroids, antidepressants and some other medications.
- During the preparation of the blood sample and the research may be a mistake, distorting the data.
The information received is not enough. Then appoint additional examination. You may need to re-blood donation.
normal levels
Mean corpuscular volume MCV depends on the age of the patient. The highest rate is typical for newborns, it is 104 -128 fl. By 11-12 months he falls to 71-84 fl and MCV-rate gradually rises as the child grows:
- 1-5 years is 73-85 fl;
- 5-10 years - 75-87 fl;
- 10-15 years - 76-94 fl.
By 17-18 years it is close to the standard value of 78-96 fl.
The norm in adults with age continues to change. But now it also depends on the sex of the patient. Thus, the rate of women of childbearing age is 81-100 fl, whereas in men 18-45 years, the volume of red blood cells should not exceed 95 vials and drop below 80 fl.
The difference in performance between men and women explained menstrual cycle, which leads to a regular blood loss.
The amount of blood circulating in the female body thus reduced, resulting in settlement corpuscular volume in women becomes higher. Menses vary in profusion, so the difference between the upper and lower boundaries and in the women's normal MCV greater than that of men.
elevated values
Pronounced increase in MCV indicates the development of macrocytosis (macrocytic anemia). In this case, increasing the size and volume of red blood cells, there is a drop in the level of hemoglobin. If, however, at the same hemoglobin concentration is below the allowable value, it is indicative of alcohol abuse.
Other reasons for the growth of the indicator:
- deficiency of B vitamins (folic acid and cyanocobalamin) or breach of assimilation;
- hemolysis;
- suppression of bone marrow function;
- some autoimmune diseases;
- myelodysplastic syndrome;
- drug intoxication;
- hormonal failures due to violation of the thyroid gland;
- liver damage, hepatitis, malignant neoplasm;
- imbalance of intestinal microflora;
- infectious-inflammatory process.
Macrocytic anemia symptoms are abdominal pain, skin paleness, severe fatigue, palpitations, migraine, hypotension, frequent colds.
A slight excess of the standard values can be observed in the absence of system abnormalities, e.g., due to nicotine Depending, hormonal contraception, taking certain drugs, bleeding, regular contact with toxic compounds and so forth.
Falsely elevated result could be obtained with sickle-cell anemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, erythrocyte agglutination.
Derated
Low MCV value analysis is a sign microcytosis. This frequently occurring disorder characterized by an increased content of fine erythrocytes (microcytes). It can be caused by:
- strong dehydration;
- drug therapy (taking antibiotics, diuretics, antiviral, some sedation and so forth.);
- iron deficiency or pyridoxine;
- hereditary diseases caused by abnormality of hemoglobin synthesis and the formation of red blood cells, such as thalassemia and porphyria;
- lead poisoning;
- the development of cancerous tumors.
Reducing the average cell volume it may also be associated with hemorrhage. Lozhnonizky corpuscular volume is determined in elderly patients in the presence of DIC.
By mikrotsitoznym anomalies include hyperchromic, iron deficiency and sideroblastic anemia. In these pathologies violated transport function of red blood cells, hypoxia. The patient becomes weak, pale, irritable, not assembled, it is deteriorating memory, there 'll pick, become brittle nails are marked with strange preferences (the desire to eat chalk, smell the paint, glue, solvent). In case of alarm symptoms should immediately go to the hospital and have a blood test.
