MPV in Blood Test: Key Roles, Levels, and Health Impacts

What Is Mean Platelet Volume (MPV)?

Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) is a measure of the average size of your blood platelets. Platelets are small cells that help your blood clot, stopping bleeding when you get injured. MPV gives doctors more information about your platelets, showing whether they are larger or smaller than usual. This measurement is often used to help diagnose or monitor certain blood-related conditions, like blood disorders or diseases affecting your bone marrow, where platelets are made.

It can be especially useful in diagnosing issues such as clotting disorders, inflammatory diseases, or certain cancers.

When Is MPV Testing Recommended?

Doctors may order an MPV test when they suspect certain blood-related problems. It can help them understand what's happening with your platelets and overall blood health. This test is often recommended if you have symptoms or conditions such as:

• Prolonged or unusual bleeding: If you bleed for a long time after an injury or have frequent nosebleeds.
• Unexplained bruising: Bruising that appears without any known cause.
• Red or purplish spots on the skin: These spots can be a sign of platelet problems.
• Vitamin D deficiency symptoms: Like fatigue, muscle weakness, or brittle bones.
• Symptoms of blood disorders: If a doctor suspects you may have a blood disorder based on other symptoms or conditions.

How Is MPV Testing Conducted?

MPV is measured through a blood test. It is part of a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test, which counts and measures different cells in your blood, including platelets.

The MPV test uses a technology called electrical impedance (Coulter Principle), where a sample of whole blood passes through a narrow passage between two electrodes. As each blood cell passes through the electrodes, the test measures the change in electrical resistance, which tells how big the platelets are.

Test Preparation:

• Fasting: You should not eat for 8 hours before the test, but drinking water is allowed.
• Avoid alcohol: Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before the test.
• No smoking or stress: Avoid smoking and try to relax for at least 30 minutes before the test.

What Are the Normal MPV Levels?

For adults, normal MPV levels usually range between 7.5 to 11.5 fL.

Note: The units of measurement and the normal ranges can differ depending on the laboratory and the specific methods used

What Do Abnormal MPV Levels Mean?

MPV High Levels

High MPV means that your platelets are larger than usual. This could be a sign that your body is making too many platelets or that they are being produced quickly to replace those lost due to certain conditions. Some common causes of high MPV include:

• Smoking: Smoking can affect blood and platelet production.
• High altitudes: Your body may produce more platelets at higher altitudes due to lower oxygen levels.
• Vitamin D deficiency: A lack of vitamin D can cause high MPV, leading to symptoms like fatigue or bone weakness.
• Obesity: Excess weight can affect the production of platelets.
• Thyroid issues: Both overactive and underactive thyroid glands (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism) can cause high MPV.
• Certain cancers: MPV may be elevated in people with cancers such as lung, breast, ovarian, stomach, or colon cancer.

• Quit smoking: Stopping smoking can help normalize platelet production.
• Improve vitamin D levels: Sunlight exposure and vitamin D-rich foods can help manage deficiency.
• Manage weight: Keeping a healthy weight can reduce high MPV caused by obesity.
• Follow doctor’s advice: Addressing underlying health issues like thyroid problems or cancer is key to managing high MPV.

MPV Low Levels

Low MPV means that your platelets are smaller than average. This could suggest that your body is not producing enough platelets or that the platelets are older and smaller. Some common causes of low MPV include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis: This autoimmune disorder can cause low platelet production.
• Lupus: Another autoimmune disease that can affect platelets and lead to lower MPV.
• Inflammatory bowel disease: Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis may lead to low MPV.
• Aplastic anemia: A condition where the bone marrow doesn’t produce enough new blood cells, including platelets.
• Chemotherapy: Treatments for cancer can lower MPV by reducing bone marrow activity.

• Treat underlying conditions: Managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can help normalize MPV.
• Follow medical treatment: If you are undergoing chemotherapy or have aplastic anemia, your doctor may suggest treatments to boost bone marrow activity.
• Maintain a balanced diet: Eating a diet rich in nutrients can support overall blood health.

Which Specialist Should You Consult?

If you receive abnormal MPV test results, your doctor may recommend seeing a specialist based on the underlying condition causing the abnormal levels. You may need to consult:

• Hematologist: For blood disorders or platelet problems.
• Endocrinologist: If your MPV is affected by thyroid or hormonal issues.
• Oncologist: If cancer is suspected to be the cause of abnormal MPV levels.