An MCV test measures the average size and volume of your red blood cells. Low MCV suggests microcytic anemia, with red blood cells smaller than normal. High MCV suggests macrocytic anemia, with red ...

Patients with a low MCV are likely to have iron deficiency anemia, although thalassemia and anemia of chronic disease are part of the differential. 1 When the MCV is low, the serum ferritin level can ...