Clinical II Lab Practical – Lab Supplies And Procedures Practice Test

In interpreting an MCV that is smaller than normal, which description applies to the cells?

Cells larger than normal Cells smaller than normal Normal-sized cells Variably sized cells

Correct Answer:

Cells smaller than normal

Explanation:

A decreased MCV indicates red blood cells are smaller than normal, a condition called microcytosis. The MCV measures the average size of red blood cells, so a lower value points to smaller cells. If MCV were high, that would mean macrocytosis (larger cells); if MCV were within the normal range, the cells would be normocytic; and if cells varied in size, that describes anisocytosis rather than a simple microcytic pattern. Therefore, the description that fits a smaller-than-normal MCV is that the cells are smaller than normal.

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