Mean corpuscular volume normal range

Evaluating the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is the next step in an anemia work-up. It is classified as microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic if the MCV is below, within, or above the normal range of 80 to 96 fIVcell, respectively. 

Blood tests were performed and had the following results hematocrit 33% (normal is 38%-45%) reticulocyte count 2.0% (normal is 0.5%-1.5%) mean corpuscular volume 90 (normal). A decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate and a prothombrin time (PT) of 15 s (normal 11-13 s) were noted. A complete blood cell count values for total protein and albumin, ALT, and AST, fasting glucose, Hb-Alc, as well as amylase and lipase were within normal range. Plasma levels of vitamins A and K were below normal, and there was near absence of vitamin E. Dysmorphic red blood cells (RBC) with multiple thorny projections (acanthocytes) were present on a blood smear. All other laboratory tests and findings were within normal limits. 

Two studies of workers exposed to low levels of benzene in the workplace showed slight decreases in erythrocyte counts. A morbidity study of 282 workers in a chemical factory reported that 10 persons who were exposed to over 25 ppm of benzene in the workplace for an average of 9 years (range 3-29 years) had an increased mean corpuscular volume at the end of the high exposure period (1963), but normal values 11 years later (1974) (Fishbeck et al. 1978). Further study of these 282 workers revealed slight decreases in erythrocyte counts that were not correlated with levels of benzene exposure (2-35 ppm) or with duration of employment (1 month to over 20 years) (Townsend et al. 1978). 

Other measurements used to classify the type of anemia present include the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The MCV is the average volume of the red blood cell, expressed in femto (10 ) liters. Normal MCV range from 80 to 100 fL. The MCHC is the average concentration of hemoglobin in each individual erythrocyte, expressed in g/L. The normal range is 32 to 37 a value of less than 32 would indicate hypochromic cells. Thus, microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells have an MCV of less than 80 and an MCHC of less than 32. Macrocytic, normochromic cells have an MCV of greater than 100, with an MCHC between 32 and 37. 

---