3 min - BioSense Team - 2025-01-09
- MCV
- RDW
- CBC
- anemia
- blood count
CBC (MCV and RDW): Useful for Guidance, Not for Diagnosis Alone
Disclaimer: Always cross-reference with hemoglobin, ferritin, context.
In 30 Seconds
- MCV helps classify anemia (microcytic, normocytic, macrocytic).
- RDW reflects red blood cell size variability: it's a complementary marker, associated in literature with cardiovascular outcomes, but non-specific.
Common Case
- Low MCV → often iron deficiency (confirm with ferritin and iron panel).
Sources
- RDW and cardiovascular outcomes (reviews)