According to Thuisarts, vitamin B12 and folate, together with iron, are needed to make haemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that takes oxygen from the lungs to the cells. The MCV expresses how large red blood cells are on average, and according to the NVKC that size gives information about the cause of anaemia. According to a US review article (American Family Physician, 2009), vitamin B12 is absorbed in the last part of the small intestine, bound to intrinsic factor, a substance from the stomach lining.
According to the NVKC, red blood cells that are too small may indicate anaemia due to iron deficiency, and cells that are too large a shortage of vitamin B12 or folate. Without a blood test it cannot be seen whether the red blood cells deviate.
Diagnostiek voor U uses an MCV of 80 to 100 femtolitres (fL) for women and men older than 15.
Doctor's Assessment Included
MCV is the average size of the red blood cells. According to the NVKC, a high MCV can point to a shortage of vitamin B12 or folate, a low MCV to iron deficiency.
See the value that applies to you:
Choose male or female — this range differs by sex.
Enter your age — this range changes with age.
This range also depends on context such as cycle phase or sample material; the highlighted rows apply to your group.
Source: NVKC — Nederlandse Vereniging voor Klinische Chemie en Laboratoriumgeneeskunde Reference population: Healthy adults (NVKC)
Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
Check your own value| Laboratory | Group | Reference value (fl) | Relative scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Star-shl | · Everyone · 19 years and older | 80–100 fl |
80 100
|
| Unilabs | · Male · 15 years and older | 80–100 fl |
80 100
|
| Unilabs | · Female · 15 years and older | 80–100 fl |
80 100
|
| Certe | · Male · 18 years and older | 80–100 fL |
80 100
|
| Certe | · Female · 18 years and older | 80–100 fL |
80 100
|
| Diagnostiek voor U | · Male · 16 years and older | 80–100 fL |
80 100
|
| Diagnostiek voor U | · Female · 16 years and older | 80–100 fL |
80 100
|
Source: Star-shl
Source: Unilabs
Source: Certe
Source: Diagnostiek voor U
Each value as the laboratory itself publishes it, retrieved in 2026.
The MCV test measures in femtolitres (fL) the average size of the red blood cells. According to a US review article (American Family Physician, 2009), only 10 percent of people with a vitamin B12 shortage actually have anaemia.
According to the NVKC, one possible meaning of a high MCV is anaemia from a shortage of vitamin B12 and/or folate. According to a US review article (American Family Physician, 2009), people with a vitamin B12 shortage may describe, among other things, a history of bowel surgery for weight loss, or a poor or strict vegan diet.
According to the NVKC, a doctor can have an MCV measured when looking for the cause of anaemia or for blood disorders with an abnormal size of red blood cells. With an MCV above 100 fl, a US review article (American Family Physician, 2009) advises doctors to start with a blood smear, a count of young red blood cells (reticulocytes) and the vitamin B12 level in the blood.
According to the NVKC, a low MCV can be a clue to anaemia caused by iron deficiency. According to a US review article (American Family Physician, 2010), measuring ferritin is the first recommended laboratory test with red blood cells that are too small, and a low ferritin suggests iron deficiency. According to the NVKC, ferritin is a protein that stores iron, mainly in the liver and the bone marrow.
For a high MCV, a US review article (American Family Physician, 2009) names medicines, alcoholism and a shortage of vitamin B12 or folate as the most common causes. The article lists the medicine metformin among the medicines that may enlarge the red blood cells, and according to the article metformin can affect the absorption of folate.
Iron deficiency
A low MCV can point to anaemia from iron deficiency.
Thalassaemia
In thalassaemia, an abnormality of the haemoglobin protein in the red blood cells, the MCV is too low.
Anaemia of chronic disease
A US review article names anaemia of chronic disease as another cause of red blood cells that are too small.
Vitamin B12 or folate shortage
A high MCV can point to anaemia from a shortage of vitamin B12 or folate.
Alcoholism
A US review article names alcoholism as one of the most common causes of an MCV above 100 fl; with chronic alcohol use the MCV generally stays below 110 fl.
Medicines
According to a US review article, medicines including anti-epileptic drugs, methotrexate and metformin may enlarge the red blood cells.
Underactive thyroid or liver disease
According to a US review article, an underactive thyroid and liver disease are associated with a less marked rise in the MCV.
Blood loss or breakdown of red blood cells
After blood loss or breakdown of red blood cells the MCV can rise, because the bone marrow releases young red blood cells that are slightly larger than average.
Have an abnormal MCV assessed by your GP. With a shortage of vitamin B12 or folate, Thuisarts recommends tablets with vitamin B12 or folate.
Yes, according to a US review article (American Family Physician, 2009) only 10 percent of people with a vitamin B12 shortage actually have anaemia.
These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.
Red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in one test — a broad look at your blood.
Complete blood count, iron status, vitamin B12 and vitamin D in one panel — eating a lot less also means fewer nutrients coming in.
Medical reviewer
Dr. Naimi oversees the medical standards behind our content and assessments.
Medical policyDoctor's Assessment Included
Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)
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