Red Blood Cell Average Volume (Mean Corpuscular Volume, MCV) with 24-hour Urine Preparation
This test measures the average size of your red blood cells, often checked alongside urine samples prepared over 24 hours. It helps assess conditions affecting red blood cell production or breakdown.
["Your red blood cells’ size can signal anemia or other blood disorders when examined with urine prep."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44242-6
- Short code
- RBC #/area Vag Wet Prep
- Synonyms
- RBC #/area Vag Wet Prep
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- wet-preparation
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, or unusual bruising, or if blood tests show low red blood cell counts. It may also be part of evaluating kidney function or certain metabolic disorders.
How the Test Works
A urine sample collected over 24 hours is analyzed to measure the average volume of red blood cells. The lab uses specialized techniques to determine cell size, which can be influenced by hydration, diet, or underlying health issues.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll need to collect all urine for a full 24-hour period, typically starting after midnight and ending the next midnight. Drink plenty of fluids to ensure adequate urine volume, but avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine, which may affect results.
During the Test
No special preparation is needed at the lab—just submit your collected urine sample. The test is quick and painless, focusing on analyzing the urine rather than drawing blood.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal MCV results in urine prep can indicate conditions like iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 or folate deficiencies, or liver/kidney disorders. High MCV may suggest alcohol use or certain genetic disorders, while low MCV could signal chronic blood loss or other metabolic disturbances.
Short name
MCV (Urine Prep)
Frequently asked questions
How long does urine collection take?
Can I drink alcohol during urine collection?
What if I miss part of the urine collection?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy