A mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of less than 80 cubic microns is indicative of which diagnosis?

A mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of less than 80 cubic microns is indicative of microcytic anemia, which is commonly associated with iron deficiency anemia. In this condition, red blood cells are smaller than normal due to a deficiency of iron, which is essential for hemoglobin synthesis. As a result, the red blood cells that are produced are smaller (microcytic) and often fewer in number.

Iron deficiency can stem from various factors including inadequate dietary intake, absorption issues, blood loss, or increased demand, such as during pregnancy. Checking MCV is a routine part of a complete blood count (CBC) and can help in the initial assessment of anemia. In contrast, vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies typically lead to macrocytic anemia, characterized by larger than normal red blood cells, while glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency can cause hemolytic anemia but does not affect MCV in the same way. Thus, a low MCV is most consistently linked to iron deficiency anemia.