Red Blood Cell (RBC) Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) with Blood Count (Complete Blood Count, CBC)
This test measures the average size of your red blood cells (MCV) and provides a full picture of your blood cell counts, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
["Understanding your RBC size and blood cell health helps identify potential blood disorders or anemia types."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 18226-1
- Short code
- RBC Size Bld
- Synonyms
- RBC Size Bld
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- 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
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Your MCV Matters
The MCV helps doctors determine whether your anemia might be due to iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies (like B12 or folate), or other conditions affecting red blood cell production. For example, smaller-than-average RBCs may suggest iron deficiency, while larger RBCs could indicate vitamin deficiencies or liver disease.
What the CBC Provides
The CBC gives a snapshot of your blood’s overall health, including the number of red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin levels, hematocrit (the percentage of blood volume made up of RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. These numbers help detect infections, bleeding disorders, or conditions like leukemia.
Common Conditions This Test Detects
Low MCV with normal or low hemoglobin might indicate iron deficiency anemia, while high MCV could signal vitamin deficiencies or conditions like pernicious anemia. Abnormal WBC or platelet counts may signal infections, autoimmune diseases, or other systemic issues.
Preparation for the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. A simple blood draw from your arm is all that’s required. If you’re on blood thinners or have a history of bleeding disorders, let your provider know before the test.
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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
MCV and CBC
Frequently asked questions
What does an abnormal MCV or CBC mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet affect my MCV or CBC results?
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