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The mean corpuscular volume, or mean cell volume (MCV), is a measure of the average volume of a red blood corpuscle (or red blood cell). The measure is obtained by multiplying a volume of blood by the proportion of blood that is cellular (the hematocrit), and dividing that product by the number of erythrocytes (red blood cells) in that volume.
The normal mean corpuscular volume (abbreviated to MCV on full blood count results, and also known as mean cell volume) is approximately 80–100 fL. When the MCV is <80 fL, the red cells are described as microcytic and when >100 fL, macrocytic (the latter occurs in macrocytic anemia). The MCV is the average red blood cell size.
A reticulocyte count that is high, normal or low will aid with the classification process. A high reticulocyte count signifies that bone marrow processes are normal. A low reticulocyte count would signify there is a problem at the level of the bone marrow, which produce the stem cells. Acute blood loss would result in a high reticulocyte count ...
Macrocytic anemia is a class of anemia characterized by the presence of predominantly larger-than-normal red blood cells (RBC, also known as erythrocytes) accompanied by low numbers of RBC and often also with insufficient hemoglobin content per cell. Macrocytic anemia occurs when – despite the larger cell size – such factors result in ...
Blood tests may show fewer but larger red blood cells, low numbers of young red blood cells, low levels of vitamin B 12, and antibodies to intrinsic factor. [6] Diagnosis is not always straightforward and can be challenging. [10] Because pernicious anemia is due to a lack of intrinsic factor, it is not preventable. [11]
The size is reflected in the mean corpuscular volume (MCV). If the cells are smaller than normal (under 80 fl ), the anemia is said to be microcytic ; if they are normal size (80–100 fl), normocytic; and if they are larger than normal (over 100 fl), the anemia is classified as macrocytic .
The most common causes of this kind of anemia are iron deficiency and thalassemia. Hypochromic anemia was historically known as chlorosis or green sickness for the distinct skin tinge sometimes present in patients, in addition to more general symptoms such as a lack of energy, shortness of breath, dyspepsia , headaches , a capricious or scanty ...
Detection usually involves lower than normal mean corpuscular volume value (<80 fL). [15] β + /β β o /β Thalassemia intermedia Affected individuals can often manage a normal life but may need occasional transfusions, e.g., at times of illness or pregnancy, depending on the severity of their anemia. [16] β + /β + β o /β + Thalassemia major