Using PCV 46% and Total RBC count 8 x 10^6/µL, what is the MCV?

Using PCV 46% and Total RBC count 8 x 10^6/µL, what is the MCV?

• A. 57.5 fl
• B. 46.0 fl
• C. 5.75 fl
• D. 460 fl

Answer: (A)

Mean corpuscular volume shows the average size of red blood cells and is calculated from hematocrit and RBC count using MCV = (Hct × 10) / RBC (in millions/µL). With a PCV (Hct) of 46% and an RBC count of 8 x 10^6/µL, MCV = (46 × 10) / 8 = 460 / 8 = 57.5 fL. So the MCV is 57.5 femtoliters. This value is well below the normal range, indicating microcytosis.

Mean corpuscular volume shows the average size of red blood cells and is calculated from hematocrit and RBC count using MCV = (Hct × 10) / RBC (in millions/µL). With a PCV (Hct) of 46% and an RBC count of 8 x 10^6/µL, MCV = (46 × 10) / 8 = 460 / 8 = 57.5 fL. So the MCV is 57.5 femtoliters. This value is well below the normal range, indicating microcytosis.