Also called mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) refers to a blood parameter that accounts for the mean volume of red blood cells (red blood cells). In other words, their size.

Remember that red blood cells are parts of the blood, along with white blood cells and platelets. They contain hemoglobin, the protein responsible for transporting oxygen to the various cells of the body.

The VGM is part of the erythrocyte indices, that is to say parameters concerning the red blood cells, obtained during a blood count (CBC), also called a hemogram. This is a routine laboratory examination frequently prescribed to assess the general condition of a patient.

More specifically, MCV is a useful indicator for detecting anemia (which is characterized by a lack of red blood cells in the blood). The doctor may therefore order this examination if the patient has the following symptoms, which are characteristic of anemia:

• unusual fatigue;
• pale skin ;
• cold extremities (hands and feet);
• headaches ;
• shortness of breath
• pain in the limbs, back or abdomen;
• increased heart rate.

The normal VGM is between 80 and 100 µm3 (cubic micrometer). Note that the VGM can also be expressed in femtoliters (1 fL = 10-15 liters – 1 µm3 = 1 fL).

If the MCV of the red blood cells is higher than these reference values, it is a sign of a anemia macrocytic anemia type (macrocytic meaning large cells). The most likely cause of this change in the size of red blood cells is a deficiency in vitamin B12 or vitamin B9 (also called folic acid).

If, on the contrary, the MCV of red blood cells is lower than normal values, then this is a sign of anemia called microcytic anemia (microcytic meaning small cells). At the origin of this disease, we find in particular an iron deficiency and certain types of thalassemia (that is to say blood diseases of genetic origin and which are characterized by a defect in the production of hemoglobin).

Taking certain medications can increase MCV. This is also the case with excessive alcohol consumption and liver disease. It is therefore important to specify this to the doctor during the analysis.

To correct an average blood volume that is too low or too high, there are specific drugs. It is also possible to correct your deficiency in fer. At vitamin B9 ou vitamin B12.

VGM analysis, and therefore the blood count, consists of a venous blood sample. It is usually in the bend of the elbow that medical personnel take samples.

It should be noted that the estimation of the mean corpuscular volume is accompanied by other measurements giving additional and important information for the establishment of the most accurate diagnosis. Let us quote for example:

• the mean corpuscular hemoglobin content (TCMH), which refers to the average amount of hemoglobin found in a red blood cell;
• the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (CCMH), which is the amount of hemoglobin present in 100 ml of red blood cells;
• or the hematocrit, which designates the volume occupied by red blood cells in the blood.