Elevated MCV: Should You See a Doctor?

Q: Elevated MCV: Should You See a Doctor?

Hello： In response to your questions, 1. <br>Generally, the overall assessment of a health check report will provide recommendations based on a comprehensive evaluation of the report's contents. <br>Please follow the suggestions of the examining physician. <br>2. <br>An elevated

Regarding red blood cell volume?

Hello: My recent health check report shows that my MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) is 100 (highlighted in red), while the normal range is 79-99 fL.
Should I seek medical attention for this?

ASHIN, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/02/21

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine

Hello: In response to your questions, 1.
Generally, the overall assessment of a health check report will provide recommendations based on a comprehensive evaluation of the report's contents.
Please follow the suggestions of the examining physician.
2.
An elevated MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) may indicate certain vitamin deficiencies, alcoholism, liver disease, medication side effects, aplastic anemia, pregnancy, newborns, endocrine disorders, and other issues.
If you have concerns or questions, you should discuss them with your family physician for a comprehensive evaluation before making any decisions.

Reply Date: 2011/02/21

More Info

Elevated Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) can be a significant indicator of various underlying health conditions, and your concern about an MCV of 100 fL, which is above the normal range of 79-99 fL, is valid. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to further investigate this finding.

MCV is a measure of the average volume of a red blood cell and is an important component of a complete blood count (CBC). An elevated MCV can indicate macrocytic anemia, which is often caused by deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folate, liver disease, hypothyroidism, or the effects of certain medications. It can also be seen in conditions such as alcoholism or bone marrow disorders.
When MCV is elevated, it is essential to consider accompanying symptoms and other laboratory findings. For instance, if you are experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, or pallor, these could be signs of anemia that warrant further evaluation. Additionally, your healthcare provider may want to check other parameters in your blood work, such as hemoglobin levels, red blood cell count, and reticulocyte count, to gain a comprehensive understanding of your blood health.

It is also important to consider your medical history, dietary habits, and any medications you may be taking. For example, if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, you may be at a higher risk for vitamin B12 deficiency, which could lead to elevated MCV. On the other hand, if you consume alcohol regularly, this could also contribute to macrocytosis.

In summary, while an isolated elevated MCV may not indicate an immediate health crisis, it is a signal that should not be ignored. Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial to determine the underlying cause of the elevated MCV and to discuss any necessary follow-up tests or treatments. They may recommend dietary changes, supplementation, or further diagnostic testing based on your individual circumstances.

In conclusion, it is wise to schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your elevated MCV. They can provide personalized advice, conduct further evaluations, and help you understand the implications of this finding in the context of your overall health. Remember, proactive healthcare is key to maintaining good health and preventing potential complications.

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