You've probably had a blood test and seen a lot of letters and numbers on the report. Sometimes we don't know what they mean, so we can feel a little scared. That's why we're going to talk about the `MPV` value that you see on your blood report today. Let's simply understand what this really is, why we look at it, and what the changes in these values mean.
What is an MPV blood test?
Simply put, an MPV blood test measures the average size of the platelets in your blood. Okay, now you're probably wondering what these platelets are.
Platelets, or what we medically call `(Thrombocytes)`, are a type of very small cell in our blood. They are produced in the bone marrow, a soft, spongy tissue inside our bones. The main function of platelets is to help our blood clot. Imagine you have a small cut. At that time, these platelets rush to the site of the cut and collect there, taking action to stop the bleeding. They act like a small dam, preventing too much blood from leaving the body.
Now let's see what the three letters `MPV` mean:
- Mean : The "average" value of a set of numbers.
- P latelet: These are the blood cells we talked about that help blood clot, called platelets.
- Volume : The amount of space, or volume, that something (in this case, a plate) takes up.
Then, `MPV` (Mean Platelet Volume) is a calculation of the average size of platelets in a sample of your blood. This allows our doctors to get a good idea of the health of these cells called platelets. Sometimes, if this `MPV` value is abnormally low or high, it can be a sign of a blood disease or a condition related to the bone marrow.
When is an MPV blood test done?
You may have an MPV blood test as part of a complete blood count (CBC). A CBC is a common blood test that your doctor usually orders during an annual checkup or for other reasons. A CBC measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your blood. It also provides information about other important characteristics, such as the size of these cells.
Platelet count, Platelet Distribution Width (PDW), and MPV are all part of the CBC. They give your doctor a lot of important information about your platelets. For example:
- `Thrombocytopenia`: means a decrease in the number of platelets.
- `Thrombocytosis`: means an increase in the number of platelets.
In addition to a routine blood test, your doctor may order an MPV test if you are bleeding for no apparent reason, have unusual bruising, or have other symptoms that suggest a problem with blood clotting.
Who performs an MPV blood test?
Usually, a doctor, nurse, or `phlebotomist` takes a blood sample from you. A `phlebotomist` is a healthcare worker who has received special training in taking blood. The blood sample is then sent to a `(lab)`. There, a lab technician tests the blood and gives the results to your doctor.
How should I prepare for an MPV blood test?
In most cases, you don't need to do anything special to prepare for the MPV blood test. However, if the MPV test is being done with several other blood tests using the same blood sample, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for a period of time. For example, if you are having tests to check your blood sugar or cholesterol levels, you may need to fast.
Therefore, follow the doctor's instructions exactly . Ask them clearly about what to eat and drink after a certain time, and whether you need to stop taking any medications before the test.
What to expect when taking an MPV blood test?
The MPV test is a very simple blood test. It usually takes less than five minutes. You can have it done in a doctor's office, a lab, or a hospital.
This is what happens when blood is drawn:
- A tourniquet is placed on your arm, slightly above the needle puncture site. This will help to constrict the blood flow and make it easier to find the vein.
- Then, the skin in that area is thoroughly cleaned, and a very fine needle is inserted into the vein. When the needle is inserted, it may feel like a small ant is poking you.
- A blood sample is collected in a small vial.
- The needle is being removed.
- To stop the bleeding, apply pressure to the area with a piece of cotton or a plaster for a while.
The blood sample is then sent to the lab for testing.
What are the risks of an MPV blood test?
There are no major risks associated with an MPV blood test. There may be some slight soreness or bruising where the blood was drawn for a few days, but this usually resolves on its own.
What do MPV blood test results mean?
The important thing is that the results of an MPV blood test alone cannot be used to make a definitive diagnosis. However, your doctor can use these results to compare with other blood test results, such as your platelet count, to help make a diagnosis.
What is a normal MPV value?
MPV blood test results can be normal, abnormally low, or abnormally high. The normal, low, and high limits may vary slightly between different laboratories. However , in general, the MPV value for a non-pregnant adult should be between 7 fL (femtoliters) and 9 fL (femtoliters) .
What does it mean when your MPV is high?
A high MPV value means that your platelets are larger than normal. Newly formed platelets are slightly larger than old platelets. So a high MPV value may mean that your bone marrow is making too many new platelets. This may be because your body is making too many new platelets if the old (small) platelets in your body are being destroyed too quickly.
There are several conditions that may be associated with an increase in the MPV value:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy (Preeclampsia)
- Crohn's disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Immune thrombocytopenia (low platelet count due to immune system)
- Myeloproliferative disease (BMD)
- Vitamin B12, vitamin D, or folate deficiency
- Macrothrombocytopenia
What does it mean when your MPV is low?
A low MPV means that your platelets are smaller than normal. A low MPV may mean that your bone marrow is not producing enough new platelets.
Several conditions may be associated with a decrease in the MPV value:
- Aplastic anemia - impaired production of blood cells by the bone marrow
- Lupus disease
- Decreased bone marrow function (Marrow hypoplasia)
- Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome
- Primary or secondary thrombocytosis - high platelet count
Some medications, for example some chemotherapy drugs used for cancer, can also reduce the production of new platelets from the bone marrow, causing the MPV value to decrease.
But remember, a low or high MPV does not mean that you have any disease. These results only provide your doctor with more information for a diagnosis. This will help them decide what to do next.
What other factors can affect the results of an MPV blood test?
Sometimes, even without any underlying medical condition, the MPV value can be artificially increased or decreased due to other external factors. Any of the following can affect your MPV value:
- The altitude of the area where you live `(Altitude)`
- Pregnancy
- Menstruation
- Regular strenuous exercise
- Some medications, for example birth control pills
If you are concerned that your MPV value has changed due to factors like these, talk to your doctor about it.
Can MPV increase due to COVID-19?
Some studies have shown that people with COVID-19 have higher MPV levels than people without COVID-19. However, these are still new findings. More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between MPV blood test results and COVID-19 infection or disease severity.
Can stress cause MPV to increase?
Yes, it can. Studies have shown that when physical and mental stress affects your body, it can also affect platelet count. Long-term strenuous exercise can increase your MPV. Also, people with panic disorders may have higher than normal MPV.
Finally, what to remember (Take-Home Message)
Don't panic if you see a low or high MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) reading on your blood test report. MPV is just one factor that helps your doctor get an idea of the health of your blood cells. Follow your doctor's instructions about what tests or treatments you should do based on your results.
If you have any questions or doubts, your doctor is the best person to explain everything. So don't be afraid to ask him or her. Stay healthy!
` MPV test, platelets, blood tests, blood cells, diagnosis, normal MPV value, MPV changes
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