Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
The MCV is a measure of the average volume of a red blood cell. It is determined by multiplying a volume of blood by the proportion of blood that is cellular (the Hct) and dividing that by the number of red blood cells in that volume. MCV is reported in Femtolitres (fL) and the normal range is 80 to 100 fL. It is part of a standard FBC and is used primarily to classify anaemia into Microcytic (MCV reduced), Normocytic (MCV normal) or Macrocytic (MCV raised).
Specimen container paediatric:
Light Pink – EDTA
Specimen container adult:
Purple – EDTA
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5mL
Minimum volume adult:
1.0mL
Special requirements:
Ensure adequate mixing.
Sample stability:
24 hrs
Transport requirements:
Samples should be transported to lab without delay
Freq analysis:
Continuous
Add on test:
[email protected] (external)
Quality assurance:
UK NEQAS Haematology
Interpretation:
Reference ranges:
The following should be used only as a guide as patient specific age and sex related ranges are available electronically.
Mean Cell Volume 83.0 – 101.0 fL
Other info:
As part of a full blood count.