Take Control Of Your Health | Home Blood Testing Services
Review 4.8 / 55 Stars! Private STI Tests &ampl; Health Checks Online Reviews
Login ›Basket (0)
Basket (0)
Find Your Test
Womens
Mens
All Tests
Conditions
Help
Take This Test ›All Biomarkers ›

Mean Corpuscular Volume Testing (MCV)

All you need to know about testing Mean Corpuscular Volume levels with a laboratory test

  • What is the Mean Corpuscular Volume test for?
  • How to test Mean Corpuscular Volume?
  • What if Mean Corpuscular Volume results are high?
  • What if Mean Corpuscular Volume results are low?
  • Who should take the Full Blood Count (FBC) Blood test?
  • How long does it take to receive the results from the MCV test?
  • Is the MCV test a diagnostic test?
  • What should I do if the MCV test results are negative?
  • What should I do if the MCV test results are positive?
  • How are the MCV test results interpreted?
  • How should I use the MCV test kit?
  • How does the Mean Corpuscular Volume Test kit work?
  • What symptoms may indicate the need for an MCV test?
  • Which conditions can the MCV test help identify?
  • What is the Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) Test?

Mean Corpuscular Volume Testing UK Statistics 2026

Icon For Mean Corpuscular Volume
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body
Human female body
Human male body

12.9% of people tested have Mean Corpuscular Volume levels which are too high.

And 1.6% have levels that are too low.

92.5

Low
< 80

Normal
80 - 99

High
99 +

The average Mean Corpuscular Volume result is 92.5 fL
Note what is normal for you may differ for your age and sex.

Are you in the 85.5% with normal results?
Get Tested ›

What Is The Mean Corpuscular Volume Test For?

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) testing measures red blood cell average volume.

Red blood cells are essential for the transport of gases to and your lungs.

If you are anaemic, MCV can indicate the cause or type of anaemia

How To Test Mean Corpuscular Volume

By buying a laboratory test kit with professional nurse or clinic collection, you can accurately measure Mean Corpuscular Volume for total reassurance.

Professional analysis in an accredited laboratory ensures rapid result delivery.

The Vitall Full Blood Count (FBC) nurse or clinic test kit includes a Mean Corpuscular Volume test and is available for just £79.00.

Tests which include a Mean Corpuscular Volume test:

Health is in your hands
Health is in your hands
Take Control Of Your Health | Home Blood Testing Services

Full Blood Count (FBC) Test Kit

Full Blood Count (FBC) test kit
Full Blood Count (FBC) Home Test Kit UK

Full Blood Count (FBC) Test Kit

Measure your general blood and immune health and ability to fight viral & bacterial infections

£79.00

View Full Details ›
Health is in your hands
Health is in your hands
Take Control Of Your Health | Home Blood Testing Services

Immune Health Test Kit

Immune Health test kit
Immune Health Home Test Kit UK

Immune Health Test Kit

Measure your immune system health and ability to fight viral & bacterial infection

£79.00

View Full Details ›

What if Mean Corpuscular Volume Results Are High?

When red blood cell volume is higher than normal, it can be linked to several conditions:

  • deficiencies in essential B vitamins, especially vitamin B9 and B12
  • liver damage or disease
  • an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
  • red blood cell disorders such as haemolytic anaemia
  • excessive alcohol consumption

High mean corpuscular volume (MCV) levels do not always lead to medical treatment. Other factors such as activity level, diet and nutrition, prescription medicines, and a woman’s menstrual cycle can also affect results.

This test result is commonly interpreted alongside other measurements from the full blood count to help clarify what may be contributing to the pattern.

What if Mean Corpuscular Volume Results Are Low?

Low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) indicates that red blood cells are smaller than usual.

This can occur with some types of anaemia, where the blood has fewer or smaller red blood cells, which can lower the body’s ability to carry oxygen to tissues. The most common type of anaemia is linked to iron deficiency.

Some genetic diseases can also cause small red blood cells, including sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia.

This result is typically interpreted alongside other measurements from the full blood count.

Who Should Take This Test?

Measure your Mean Corpuscular Volume levels and measure your general blood and immune health and ability to fight viral & bacterial infections with a Full Blood Count (FBC) nurse or clinic finger-prick bloodtest kit

You get the convenient testing with the reassurance of professional clinical analysis. Your results are delivered quickly & securely online.

This Full Blood Count (FBC) Test is advised if you:

  • want the convenience of home testing without waiting for a GP appointment;
  • need a high quality, clinically accredited test done in a professional clinical laboratory.

How long does it take to receive the results from the MCV test?

Once the laboratory receives your sample, results for the MCV test are typically processed and available within 24 hours. However, this can vary depending on the lab's workload. You'll receive a notification when your results are ready to view.

Is the MCV test a diagnostic test?

The MCV test can provide important information about the size of your red blood cells and help identify certain types of anaemia. However, it's typically part of a complete blood count and is used in conjunction with other tests and a comprehensive medical evaluation for a complete diagnosis.

What should I do if the MCV test results are negative?

If your MCV test results are within the normal range, but you are still experiencing symptoms,  you may recommend additional tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.

What should I do if the MCV test results are positive?

If your MCV test results indicate abnormal red blood cell size, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend further testing or a treatment plan based on your overall health condition and symptoms.

How are the MCV test results interpreted?

MCV test results are typically interpreted by medical professionals in the lab. A higher than normal MCV can indicate macrocytic anaemia, while a lower than normal MCV can indicate microcytic anaemia. Normal results can help rule out certain types of anaemia but may warrant further testing if symptoms persist.

How should I use the MCV test kit?

Using the MCV test kit involves pricking your finger with the lancet included in the kit to obtain a blood sample. Follow the instructions included in the kit to ensure a hygienic process and appropriate blood volume. Upon collection, the sample is then placed in the provided prepaid envelope for dispatch to the lab.

How does the Mean Corpuscular Volume Test kit work?

The Mean Corpuscular Volume test kit from Vitall allows you to collect a blood sample at home. The kit includes everything you need for the finger-prick test. After collecting the sample, you send it back to a UKAS accredited lab where medical professionals conduct the analysis.

What symptoms may indicate the need for an MCV test?

Symptoms that may warrant an MCV test include persistent fatigue, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, pale skin, shortness of breath, and cognitive problems. If you're experiencing these symptoms, consult with a healthcare provider who may recommend an MCV test.

Which conditions can the MCV test help identify?

The MCV test is typically used to help diagnose different types of anaemia such as microcytic anaemia, normocytic anaemia, and macrocytic anaemia. It can also provide useful information in the diagnosis of other conditions that affect your red blood cells.

What is the Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) Test?

The Mean Corpuscular Volume Test, abbreviated as MCV, is a blood test that measures the average size of your red blood cells. It helps identify certain types of anaemia, a condition where your body lacks enough healthy red blood cells. MCV is often part of a complete blood count (CBC) test.

Other Biomarkers Often Tested With Mean Corpuscular Volume

Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Basophils
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Eosinophils
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Full Blood Count
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Haematocrit
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Haemoglobin
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Lymphocytes
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Mean Corpuscular Volume
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Mean Platelet Volume
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Monocytes
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Neutrophils
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Platelet Count
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Red Cell Count
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online Red Cell Distribution Width
Urine, swab or bood test. This test is available to buy online White Cell Count

Useful links

About VitallContact UsHelp CentreClinic LocationsBiomarkersHealth BlogPartnershipsEmployee HealthOur Terms
Facebook Icon for VitallInstagram Icon for VitallLinkedIn Icon for VitallPinterest Icon for VitallTiktok Icon for Vitall

Join our mailing list for 10% off!

Popular tests

Female FertilityFemale Total Health CheckFull Blood CountMale Total Health CheckTestosterone & EstrogenVitamins & Minerals
All Tests Are CE marked, IVDAll Tests Are CE marked, IVDUKAS Quality Management Expert Blood Test Analysis in an Accredited Laboratory

All Testing Is Conducted In UKAS Accredited Laboratories.

© 2026 Healthy Human Labs LTD, 71 - 75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ.

Vitall AI Chat